“Devil” to hell…

The 0-3 defeat to Man City was a painful blow to Man Utd's hopes of getting back on track in the race to Europe. However, everyone understands that Erik ten Hag's team is a long way from Man City. The Old Trafford fortress was easily demolished by the "noisy neighbors" as a matter of course. Therefore, the match with Newcastle was considered by the Dutch coach as the second biggest turning point of the season. In a Cup arena that seems more suitable, and playing at home, Man Utd has the right to believe in victory.

If football were just mathematical calculations, people would immediately remember MU's past outings against the "magpies". Most recently, also in the English League Cup final, Newcastle also suffered a convincing 0-2 defeat. But in the early morning of November 2, things were different. Even different to the point of being incomprehensible to the most successful team in the foggy country.

In the Premier League, Newcastle are struggling to get into the European Cup group, while Man Utd are struggling in 8th place. Both teams are playing with reserve teams, but of course, the home team is still rated higher. This season, whenever people have the most hope, that is also when the Red Devils fall to the bottom of disappointment. It is undeniable that the representative from the Northeast played a match of their lives, full of courage and sharpness. But on the other hand, people see more clearly the deadlock, weakness, and shameful fighting spirit of the millionaire stars. The three goals conceded by Eddie Howe's army not only revealed the alarming quality of MU's squad, despite the hundreds of millions of pounds they have poured into the transfer market. More dangerously, it also showed the very problematic training method of Ten Hag. No specific tactics, no connection, no clear attack or imposed play style, and moreover, no fighting spirit that people once admired from the "Devil's bloodline".

The numbers don't lie. The humiliating defeat at Old Trafford was the Manchester giants' eighth defeat in just 15 games in all competitions. It's the first time since 1962 that Man Utd have lost two consecutive home games by three or more goals. With eight defeats this season, Ten Hag's side have also had their worst opening run since 1972 (nine defeats). And five home defeats in 10 games? That's been the case since 1931.

What do MU need in the storm of criticism from fans? It is easy to talk about a new coach, a new style or even iron discipline in the dressing room. But to erase a chessboard and play again, things are not that simple. A lot of money has been spent, creating a huge salary fund, names full of personality, and sadly, the result is a chaotic group, each playing for himself. If they do not win any European Cup spots next season, surely a series of stars will have to leave. But with such a prospect, who would still want to come to Old Trafford?

At this moment, the pressure to win every round is weighing heavily on the Red Devils. Just one or two more losses and they will be pushed down to the bottom half of the rankings. That pressure is not necessarily the motivation for MU to come back, but it is also a double-edged sword ready to send the Devils back to hell sooner.

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