Rooney scored in the 66th minute, charging into the area and driving a loose ball behind Newcastle goalkeeper Shay Given. Van Nistelrooy scored during injury time off a pass by Rooney.

Manchester United has not allowed a goal through three games, but still trails first-place Chelsea, which has won its four games also without giving up a goal. Newcastle is winless in four games and has yet to score.

Rooney's goal came after defender Jean-Alain Boumsong allowed the ball to bounce past him. The Englishman pounced and beat the flat-footed Given.

``I saw it in the air and I knew it was going to be a difficult bounce,'' Rooney said. ``So I just took a gamble and I'm lucky enough it paid off.''

A minute into injury time, Van Nistelrooy scored his third of the season.

``The second goal was a great example for any young person who wants to get to the top,'' Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson, referring to Rooney. ``That was a fantastic work ethic.''

Manchester City is in second place with 10 points, while Charlton has nine. Newcastle, Sunderland and Portsmouth are the only teams without victories.

Earlier, Charlton stayed perfect by defeating Middlesbrough 3-0 behind goals by Dennis Rommedahl, Chris Perry and Darren Bent.