Manchester United’s hopes of finishing second were rocked at St James’ Park on Sunday afternoon.
Despite naming a strong side against relegation-threatened Newcastle, Jose Mourinho watched his side lose to a second half Matt Ritchie strike.
While United’s defending of the free-kick which saw Ritchie score the only goal of the game was shambolic enough, the manner in which it was conceded was equally as farcical.
Chris Smalling, attempting to control a pass from Phil Jones, dived out of the way of Jonjo Shelvey as he took a heavy touch. Referee Craig Pawson was close enough to see the incident, booking the defender for a dive. From there, a diagonal ball was flighted into the United box, and an unmarked Ritchie was able to slot home the knockdown.
Not for the first time in recent months, United fans aimed much of their criticism at Smalling.
Think it’s time for Smalling to go in the Summer #MatchDayJay
— Stretford Paddock (@StretfordPaddck) February 11, 2018
https://twitter.com/utdxtra/status/962723174768168962
Chris Smalling, a centre back, is booked for diving. Newcastle now take the lead. What a total shambles. Abysmal.
— Liam Canning (@LiamPaulCanning) February 11, 2018
Christopher smalling 🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡
— Darren Webb (@United_Webby) February 11, 2018
I’d terminate Smalling’s contract even if it cost us £15m. Would be the best money we could spend. #mufc
— Hesham Bilal-Hafiz (@hesham786) February 11, 2018
Can’t imagine anyone comes away with any credit today (including Jose) but as far as I can see we have to be done with Smalling. He’s atrocious.
— Doc (@Doc_Joshi) February 11, 2018
That goal came as a result of a pathetic dive by Smalling. I don't care who it is I hate diving, should be fined a weeks wages.
— James Kenny 🔴⚪️⚫️ (@JamesyCantona) February 11, 2018
Chris Smalling has a longer crime sheet than Jack the Ripper…#mufc
— John Ludden (@johnludds) February 11, 2018
United remain in second after the defeat on Tyneside, though the gap between them and Liverpool could be down to just two points after their game with Southampton later in the afternoon.
Their next league game will see them host Chelsea towards the end of the month with Liverpool the next league visitors to Old Trafford after they face Crystal Palace away in early March.
