Only a goal in it... but this was as bad as it's ever been

LIMP, LIFELESS... AND NOT EVEN A RECOGNITION OF THE LOYALTY OF LONG-SUFFERING FANS

- RICHARD FAY

MANCHESTER United took one step forward and then two steps back after a week of away trips came to a lifeless end against Newcastle on Saturday night.

The scoreline might only have read 1-0 to the home side but the truth is, this was as bad as some of their heavier defeats under Erik ten Hag. Not once did United look like winning the game and although there were some brief flickers of promise to net a goal, Newcastle were rarely troubled and will be kicking themselves that they didn't net four or five.

United's performance was as limp and lifeless as it has ever been since Ten Hag took charge, yet what was even worse was their reaction to the embarrassing defeat.

As the players trudged off following their unacceptable performance, United assistant Steve McClaren had to stand at the top of the tunnel, ordering some of them back onto the pitch to applaud the supporters who had made the journey.

Yes, United's own preparations for the match were less than ideal, but they still had a far more luxurious journey to St. James' Park than those loyal fans who braved the treacherous conditions.

It is obvious that United players would be disappointed after their performance, but this was akin to the final days of previous managers when similar scenes took place after awful away defeats.

United are still without an away win at a top-eight league side since October 2021, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's last three points in management.