Manchester United's concerns have already come true after Newcastle performance

Sir Alex Ferguson was pitchside again at kick-off and had he returned at the death no amount of injury time could have elicited a winner from Manchester United.

One fan trundled down the gangways in the 77th minute and muttered bitterly at the Newcastle analysts. Newcastle's obdurate approach had got to United supporters, as well as the players, three of whom were cautioned.

The unreliable referee Craig Pawson irked the crowd almost as much as some of United's underperformers. There were boos at the final shrill, the loudest reserved for Pawson, though he was not the cause of another blunt United performance. They were lifeless.

Also read: United player ratings vs Newcastle

Ferguson strode back out onto the turf for a well-devised presentation to recognise the achievements of two of his finest signings: Cristiano Ronaldo's 700th club goal and David de Gea's 500th United appearance. Old father time is catching up with both.

Just past the 70th minute, the number seven's number was up. Ronaldo walked off to a standing ovation when he had been more hindrance than help.

The terrain of eggshells United are treading on around Ronaldo are so widespread that every action is scrutinised. Ten Hag joined in with the obligatory applause and Ronaldo exchanged a cursory handshake but shook his head disconsolately.

United are such a mercurial team they are longing for Anthony Martial, starter of one Premier League match in the last year. And that lasted 29 minutes.

As misleading and, potentially, meaningless pre-season can be, United's attack revolved around Martial living up to his squad number and they look bereft without him. Their impotence was exacerbated by the absence of the unwell Christian Eriksen.

Casemiro and Fred, such a