Bruno Fernandes has given Manchester United two simple £100m transfer decisions to make

It's fair to say that Manchester United are in a bad place. Sunday's 4-1 thrashing at Newcastle United was the latest, 14th in the Premier League, defeat that portrayed a sorry site.

Ruben Amorim's first five months in charge of the club has produced a mixed bag. There have been many positives to come from the Portuguese's arrival, such as his cut-throat mentality to let players leave in January and ability to admit the challenge ahead of him.

However, there are so many negatives that, albeit not all his fault, remain to keep that dark grey cloud of United. As we enter the middle of April, Amorim must take United all the way in the Europa League to avoid any serious backlash at the end of the season.

The defeat to Newcastle showcased all the fragilities inside Amorim's team. Altay Bayindir didn't cover himself in glory, the back three played a part in all four goals conceded and it was yet another game without a goal from either striker.

Amorim has constantly been asked about his plans to renovate the squad in the summer transfer window and it's expected that the team could see an overhaul before the 2025/26 season. “There are characteristics we don’t have in our squad and we are trying to see about the gaps we have," he said.

"When I say we need ‘big players’ I’m not talking about players from Real Madrid. I am talking about players in the way I see the game. Of course money helps!

“We need to be really good in recruitment. We need to know our system and the way we play - and the players have to be perfect for their positions. So we know what we have to do, that is clear, and we will see next season.”

Captain Bruno Fernandes has been the one few shining lights in United's team this season, but he was below his best