JOHN CROSS: 'Newcastle demolition leaves Man Utd boss Ruben Amorim facing very simple truth'

They are two Uniteds heading in very different directions.

and, if the Carabao Cup was not enough, they are now in pole position to get into the Champions League places. In stark contrast, Manchester United are on course for their worst-ever season in the Premier League and, on this evidence, they will need a miracle to win the Europa League.

Ruben Amorim admitted three months ago that this might be the worst team in United’s proud history - and at least he got that right. and they can no longer reach their previous worst points tally of 58.

by Newcastle and, the Toon Army ripped the visitors to shreds.

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Incredibly, this was the first time Newcastle have done the league double over United in 94 years and is a tribute to how far the Geordies have come and a stark reminder of how far the visitors have fallen.

What a mess. Amorim did make five changes - including resting under-fire keeper Andre Onana after his horror show at Lyon on Thursday night - but that still cannot excuse such a lame surrender.

Stand-in keeper Altay Bayindir was given his Premier League debut but, by the end, he and about half a dozen others probably wish they had been left at home with Onana.

It was embarrassing, inept and demoralising. Newcastle were terrific but they were given an open invitation by the visitors’ defence. They even sank a place in the table to a lowly 14th after shipping four goals.

Resting players for Thursday’s Europa League second leg against Lyon is one thing, but it is hard to turn form on and off like a tap. Especially when Joshua Zirkzee, one of their few decent performers, hobbled off after pulling his hamstring.

Newcastle are now up to fourth, a point behind third-placed Nottingham Forest with a game in hand as they prepare to face Crystal Palace at St James’s Park on Wednesday night. No-one will fancy coming here right now.

Newcastle started brilliantly and were ahead after 24 minutes. Manuel Urgarte gave the ball away in midfield, Kieran Trippier won possession and played it forward to Alexander Isak on the edge of the box.

Isak’s lovely control, then a flick into Sandro Tonali and the Newcastle midfielder took it brilliantly in his stride before volleying past United’s stand-in keeper. What a goal.

Credit to the visitors as they hung on and equalised before half time. Bruno Fernandes’ lovely lay-off set up Alejandro Garnacho whose precise finish went just inside the far post.

Newcastle restored their lead just four minutes after the restart. Tino Livramento tricked his way past Diogo Dalot, his deep low cross was pulled back at the far post by Jacob Murphy and the ball was on a plate for Harvey Barnes to score. That was Murphy’s eighth assist of the season and another goal for Barnes in all competitions. They are two unsung heroes who really deserve more credit.

You could see the visitors surrender. Noussair Mazraoui slipped, presented the ball to Barnes who raced through and slammed the ball into the top corner for his eighth of the season.

United keeper Bayindir made an absolute howler on the fourth. His poor clearance went straight to Joelinton and his header set up Bruno Guimarães who took full advantage to score.

You have to give credit to the travelling fans up in the Gods. They kept singing Amorim’s name until the bitter end. They believe he is the saviour. He, simply, also needs to be a miracle worker.

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