Newcastle are dream busters who game by game rip away the fabric of ambition to leave us facing little more than myths.

As much as it hurts, as much as we don't want to face unpalatable reality, I'm afraid we have no alternative. It is a myth that United are the same team as last season. A myth that we are making progress rather than taking a significant step backwards. A myth that 'intensity is our identity.'

And now another myth has been exposed - that before 50,000 loyal and desperately supportive Geordies urging endeavour, St James Park remains a fortress that is keeping us alive. It is not.

United have been beaten before their own by Liverpool, Arsenal, Aston Villa, Barcelona, Manchester City and now Brentford. Held by Chelsea after leading 2-0. By Spurs after again leading.

In proving that home comforts no longer exist the final myth has also been exposed . . . that United are battling to make Europe's elite competition once more next season.

What in reality we're battling to do is save...