United went into Wednesday&aposs match needing to make amends after being dismantled by neighbours Manchester City at Old Trafford on Sunday. Instead, they were even worse and lost 3-0 for the second time in four days.
The usual caveats of several players being injured can hardly be used to defend Erik ten Hag this time, either, as Newcastle deployed a second-string side. Eddie Howe made eight changes to his starting XI but the visiting Magpies were still a cut above the hapless home side.
First-half goals from Miguel Almiron and Lewis Hall put Newcastle in the ascendency and a third from Joe Willock on the hour made the match a formality. United&aposs defence of the Carabao Cup came to an end with hardly a whimper.
Newcastle legend and fan Shearer was delighted with the result but couldn&apost help criticising United&aposs performance. “Total domination from the Toon.”
he Tweeted.
“Magnificent from start to finish from every single player. One team playing for the badge the other team a complete mess. TOONTOON.”
The eighth defeat of the season in all competitions – the fourth time United have conceded three at home – has seen Ten Hag&aposs job come under serious pressure for the first time. Paul Merson thinks sacking the Dutchman may be the only solution.
