Manchester United defeat to Newcastle exposed a problem years in the making

Manchester United were dumped out of the Carabao Cup after a humiliating home defeat to Newcastle on Wednesday night to pile more pressure on Erik ten Hag.

Miguel Almiron opened the scoring for Newcastle, who doubled their lead before half-time through the fantastic Lewis Hall. United improved slightly after the restart, but things got even worse when Joe Willock fired in a third.

The defeat marked the eighth time United have lost in all competitions already this season, with five of those coming at home.

Here are the main talking points from the match:

PLAYER RATINGS: Dalot and Martial awful

MATCH REACTION: Players' reactions sum up mess at United

Returning duo increase pressure on United

United can't use their unfortunate injury record as the only reason they have been so poor this season, though it has certainly been a factor in it.

Raphael Varane missed out again last night due to illness, but there was a 'boost,' with Casemiro returning to the side and Aaron Wan-Bissaka back on the bench. That is, until a ball was kicked.

Wan-Bissaka made an immediate impact at the start of the second half, but Casemiro only lasted until then after what was another hugely disappointing display in a poor season so far.

They are hardly the heroes who will come back and transform their fortunes, though it has to be classified as a real positive if they are both back on a regular basis now.

On the flip side, the more players that return from injury, the less excuse there is for failing to win matches either. More choice means less room to hide.

A trophyless season beckons

It's the first week of November, and it already feels like the season could be over for United. The Carabao Cup was never going to be enough to save the