With Newcastle still battling away on two fronts, they must end their run of poor results on the back of European nights
The Magpies have, by and large, had some dreadful results immediately after Thursday night Europa League outings and we're about to go again.
It's Manchester City away this afternoon when a lot of people aren't holding out too much hope, especially with the injuries Newcastle have, then it's Benfica (a), Fulham (h), Benfica (h) and Sunderland (h).
United lost at Chelsea after Atromitos away, sneaked 1-1 home to Aston Villa after the return leg, lost heavily home to Man U after Bordeaux visited, lost home to West Ham after Brugge, lost to Southampton after Maritimo, lost at Fulham after Bordeaux away, and lost at Wigan following Anzhi Makhachkala.
Even when they have scraped a win the performance hasn't been convincing – Norwich home 1-0, West Brom home 2-1 after being outplayed with the winner deflected off Papiss Cisse's backside, and Southampton home 4-2 when for long periods the Saints were a very real threat.
The climax of course is the derby with Sunderland. They have real problems following a load of lacklustre displays and the news this week that skipper Lee Cattermole and ace marksman Steven Fletcher won't play again this season.
United did, early in the season, rest a lot of their big guns on a Thursday night supposedly so they would be fresh on the Sunday, but still didn't get the result they wished.
We're rapidly approaching the final scraps of a long season when all those near the bottom will be desperate for points.
I believe United will be all right because their squad is so much stronger, but nothing can be taken for granted in football.
At long last the final acts in the aftermath of the shocking tackle on Massadio Haidara have been played out with John Carver and Wigan coach Graham Barlow being fined by the FA and warned as to their future conduct.
Look at those punished – Haidara unable to play through injury, referee Mark Halsey and his linesman demoted from Premier League activity over Easter, Carver and Barlow hit in the pocket, Dave Whelan and Roberto Martinez publicly castigated.
Yet Callum McManaman, the guy who actually perpetuated the act, is free as a bird to continue playing. And the FA are supposed to be even handed!
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