Premier League talking points: Man United woes, Brighton blows, Newcastle injuries

Towards the end of September, following three successive defeats, questions were being asked whether Manchester United were closing in on a full-blown crisis. After two 3-0 humiliations at Old Trafford this week, it is safe to say that point has been reached.

Last Sunday, United were brushed aside in contemptuous fashion by City in the Manchester derby. Three days later, they were outthought, outfought and outclassed by a second-string Newcastle United side in the League Cup.

Pressure is mounting on manager Erik ten Hag, who has spent around £400 million on new players in three transfer windows. Five of his signings kicked off the game against Newcastle with six finishing it. At no point did they look like winning the game and few would be surprised if they lose again at Fulham on Saturday.

“At this moment we are in a bad place and I take responsibility for it,” said Ten Hag on Wednesday. “I am a fighter … It is not good enough by far and we have to put it right.”

As Ten Hag was licking his wounds at Old Trafford, Magpies manager Eddie Howe was bathing in the success of what was Newcastle's biggest away win at the ground in 93 years and only their second there since 1972.

The fact it was done with a patchwork side – seven of the starting XI had not started a Premier League or Champions League game this season, while six had spent much of their careers playing as full-backs – was all the more remarkable.

It was a result up there with their best this season that includes a 5-1 win over Aston Villa, an 8-0 battering of Sheffield United and the 4-1 demolition of Kylian Mbappe's Paris Saint-Germain. “It was a massive performance from the players,” said Howe, “I can’t credit them enough.”

But what will be a concern for Howe