After a first-half that began about as badly as Jose Mourinho could have imagined, Manchester United never truly looked like they had come to terms with the challenge Newcastle United posed them.
Bar one headed opportunity for Marcus Rashford, even this chance came with the caveat that Rafa Benitez's side had numerous chances to extend their two-goal lead.
Going in 2-0 behind thanks to two quick goals within the first 10 minutes from Kenedy and Muto, rumours surrounding Jose Mourinho's impending departure had scarcely abated as attention turned toward Rio Ferdinand and Paul Scholes in the BT studio.
Eviscerating United's players after last weekend's defeat to West Ham United, today's first-half performance has not improved their opinion.
However, thoughts have primarily turned from anger to pity. With Paul Scholes suggesting he just 'felt sorry for everybody,' Rio Ferdinand honed in on Eric Bailly.
Starting in a central defensive role, the Ivorian was subbed-off after around 20 minutes; with Scott McTominay slotting in at the back instead.
"I feel sorry for Scott McTominay. He's a central-midfielder being forced to play centre-half.
"I don't see a way back for Bailly now. Dragged off, with the manager stating in the last game that 'I don't have defenders who can play the ball out from the back, and he's been made the fall guy here."
