Despite the scoreline, hundreds of Manchester United supporters left the seats of their Premier League fixture with Newcastle United level at 3-3 with stoppage-time looming. They will never know whether the feeling of beating traffic beat the feeling of Javier Hernández's 90th minute winner.
The club's hallmark - late winners and/or comebacks - were both on display on Boxing Day. Thrice Newcastle lead through James Perch, a Jonny Evans own goal and Papiss Cissé, and thrice their hosts replied courtesy of Evans, Patrice Evra and Robin van Persie. United lead the match for eight minutes in comparison to Newcastle's combined total of 54, but, like the debate over whether Evans' OG should have stood, it is all academic. The Reds are seven points clear of Manchester City.
Sir Alex Ferguson even gave Newcastle a head-start with his infamous tinkering. Only one of Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs should start a match when necessary and the former's inclusion was a predictable mistake. After Scholes made way for Tom Cleverley United were energised in attack and enjoyed their best spell of the match - the winning spell.
Newcastle, determined despite being depleted, even hit the woodwork twice and had as many shots as their hosts. It will be of little comfort to them now but manager Alan Pardew should view it as a platform to build on.
Enjoy the highlights of a phenomenal game in the video above.