Ineos could make Erik ten Hag decision after Manchester United play three games in 20 days

A good gauge of a team's ability to achieve their objectives in a season is the results against the clubs they are competing against. For Manchester United, that means getting the better of some of their European rivals every now and again.

United's objective at the start of this season had to be another top-four finish. That should still be the target, but the way the campaign has started any European qualification next year would look acceptable now.

The reality for United is that looks unlikely if their results against clubs going for the same targets are anything to go by. We can list Manchester City, Arsenal, Liverpool, Tottenham, Newcastle, Brighton, Aston Villa and an improving Chelsea as other sides pushing for European qualification this season. There could be a top nine in the Premier League.

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United's record against those teams so far this season? Played five, lost five, scored two and conceded 12. That is an abysmal record and the gulf in quality was on show again on Tyneside on Saturday. Newcastle were unfortunate to only win 1-0 in a game in which they dominated to a startling degree. They were more technical than United, more committed, more together, more aggressive and, yes, better coached.

Across those five games, United have faced 87 shots on their goal, while managing 61 shots of their own. The opposition have had 37 corners to United's 27. In every game, the other side has had more possession. These are damning statistics, although none are quite so damning as the results.

If you're making a case for United to finish in the top four, even the top six, at the moment, it can