What Ruben Amorim did after Manchester United setback vs Newcastle sums up their dilemma

They celebrated Kevin Keegan with a glistening pre-match mosaic at St James' Park. Newcastle were a goal shy of paying homage to Keegan's 5-0 team in 1996.

Manchester United famously overhauled a 12-point deficit against Keegan's Newcastle earlier that year but it is mathematically impossible this season. Newcastle are 18 points better off than United and this was the first time they have done the domestic double against them since 1930-31. It was a far more significant game for Newcastle than their visitors.

For United, 14 Premier League defeats is not insignificant. Neither is the -7 goal difference or 14th-place status they have sunk to. They have matched the same number of losses as last season and still have six league fixtures left.

Reaching that portentous statistic felt inevitable some time ago. However far United advance in the Europa League, it cannot alter plans for what has to be a drastic rebuild. The league is their yardstick and United are miles away from the elite, never mind yards.

This match was so inconsequential for United there were empty sections in their away end. "We can see you sneaking out," goaded the Geordies as the 80th minute loomed, shortly after Bruno Guimaraes made it 4-1. Plenty of spare tickets were floating around. Even the matchgoers are prioritising Europe and two potential visits to Bilbao.

So is Ruben Amorim. He has belatedly embraced the Jose Mourinho strategy of conceding defeat in the league to go all-in on the Europa League. Andre Onana's complete absence from the squad was softened by the inclusions of Victor Lindelof and Christian Eriksen, players certain to be released in the summer, and the teenage full debutant Harry Amass. Altay Bayindir had never played in the Premier