After the derby ETH said Reds were on way up, but this is looking like a downward spiral

VISITORS to Old Trafford were gifted vinyl courtesy of one of United's sponsors. The team still cannot change the record.

- SAMUEL LUCKHURST

Boos at half-time. Boos at full-time. Erik ten Hag was heckled by those in the away section for the second game running as United lost 3-0 at home for the second game running.

Many United supporters headed for the exits after an hour with Newcastle 3-0 up. Departures were soundtracked to 'They're here, they're there, they're every-f-----g-where, empty seats, empty seats.

The technical director, Darren Fletcher, headed indoors with three minutes on the clock safe he would not be rounded on, so sparse were the rows of seats he passed.

Out of the title challenge without entering it. Out of the League Cup and in danger of going out of the Champions League. Ten Hag is in danger of approaching the endgame if this form continues.

A possible winter of discontent looms. United faces a treacherous period, with visits to the Parken Stadium in Copenhagen, Goodison Park, Istanbul and St. James' Park scheduled over the next month.

Performances at Newcastle, Everton, Liverpool and Sevilla in recent times are evidence this team lacks the coping mechanisms in atmospheric or hostile grounds. United are also due at Anfield nine days before Christmas.

It was only on Sunday that Ten Hag claimed United were 'on the way up' yet this is a downward spiral. They have lost eight of their 15 matches this season and five have come at Old Trafford - more than double the number of losses they suffered last season. Four of the victors have tallied three goals.