It's not often you see Manchester United 'down among the dead men' and in a relegation battle, but, after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's men were beaten yet again yesterday - this time at St. James' Park - thats precisely the position in which they find themselves - and it's not going to get much easier for the Red Devils.
The 1-0 defeat at Newcastle leaves United on nine points, in 12th spot, but that does not tell the whole tale. Disappointing throughout the season so far, Solskjaer's team lacked any trace of the guts and determination he had demanded of them, and their next game - against Liverpool at Old Trafford on 20 October - is not the kind of game a relegation-haunted outfit wants to contemplate.
After that, they face a tricky journey to Norwich, and, on 2 November, another to the south coast to face Bournemouth, but the Norwegian may not be around to witness those difficult trips.
Liverpool have started with eight wins from eight games, and won't be too keen on losing their 100% record to their arch rivals. Indeed, they will enjoy shoving more earth atop the United coffin, as it sinks deeper underground.
"We're right in a relegation battle now," said central defender, Harry Maguire.
Manchester United will never have been so grateful for an international break as they are at this moment.
