Newcastle took the honours in the battle of Britain's two European survivors.
Having looked jaded early on, United produced a determined rallying-call to come from behind to an early Joe Cole strike to claim successive 2-1 home wins over Chelsea at St James' Park and help avenge their early season 5-0 mauling at Stamford Bridge.
Two goals either side of the interval in a five-minute spell from first Shola Ameobi and what turned out to be a stunning Alan Shearer winner saw United back into fifth place just behind Liverpool.
But the downside was yet another injury, this time to the magnificent Jonathan Woodgate, who pulled up 12 minutes from time while ushering the ball out of play with what appeared to be yet another hamstring problem.
Chelsea needing to win to hang on to their slim title hopes got off to a dream start when Frank Lampard released Cole and he slotted in his first league goal for the Londoners.
Cole should have had a second but fired inches wide as Newcastle struggled to find any cohesion and were outplayed in the centre of the park.
Darren Ambrose then lifted Newcastle after 24 minutes that was destined for the top corner until Marco Ambrosio finger-tipped behind.
Shearer saw a downward header not too far off the mark before the equaliser arrived after 43 minutes Given a rare central midfield role, Hugo Viana relished in the position and cleverly picked out Ameobi on the edge of the box. The big striker still had a lot to do as he chested down the ball and expertly turned Marcel Desailly before swivelling to drive across Ambrosio.
It was just the lift United needed going into the break against a Chelsea side who on the previous 16 times they had led at the interval this season had gone on to claim maximum points.
Now firing on all cylinders and urged on by the crowd, Shearer produced the type of finish that only he possesses.
Olivier Bernard's ball into his feet down the left channel saw Chelsea skipper Desailly turned by his opposite number who turned to his left and thumped an unstoppable right-foot shot beyond a stunned Ambrosio.
Still it was not over. Eidur Gudjohnsen was denied a headed equaliser by a stunning Shay Given reaction save.
Given could then only watch as substitute Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink shot over the bar when it looked easier to score and Ambrosio at the end prevented a second for Shearer with his legs.
With the home fans anxiously awaiting the final whistle, there was almost one final sting in the tail in what was the 93rd minute when John Terry pushed forward and volleyed against the foot of the post from close range.