Sir Alex Ferguson claims he is no longer surprised when Alan Shearer elbows players yet escapes punishment from Barclaycard Premiership referees.
The Manchester United boss reflected with regret on an incident in the third minute of yesterday's match at St James' Park in which Newcastle's former England captain caught Roy Keane with his elbow.
Shearer was not disciplined by referee Steve Dunn but was later yellow-carded for a foul on defender John O'Shea.
Ferguson said: "We have seen him elbowing players before. I am disappointed - but I should not be surprised."
The United boss was otherwise happy with a match which finished 6-2 to his team as the Red Devils staked their claim for the title with an imperious dismissal of one-time contenders Newcastle.
"The scoreline tells you it is the best performance of the season really," he told MUTV.
"It is great to get six goals at Newcastle - such a difficult place to come to, and you have to conquer the atmosphere and the fans.
"We recovered (from Newcastle's early goal) and then played some great football. Going in 4-1 up at half-time was a fair reflection of how well we played."
Ferguson has great respect for Sir Bobby Robson's Magpies - and that made him all the more impressed with his own team's efforts.
"They are an awesome team on their home ground, but you saw our capabilities," he said.
The crushing victory on Tyneside capped an impressive surge which has put United in pole position for the championship.
"I think we have given ourselves a genuine chance (of the title)," added Ferguson.
"We have built up form and momentum in the last few weeks, and the motivation in the dressing room has been fantastic."
Following yesterday's win, United's showdown with fellow heavyweights Arsenal at Highbury on Wednesday is being billed as a potential title decider - and Ferguson is not about to argue with that.
"It is the game of the season - no doubt about that," he said.
Paul Scholes, whose hat-trick from midfield helped to undermine Newcastle, is another anticipating a battle royal with the Gunners.
"It is a massive game and one we are all looking forward to," he said.
"After this great win we are hoping we can carry it on Wednesday."