It started as a bit of an up and down campaign, but has accelerated predominantly downwards since mid-December with Steve Bruce’s Magpies on a run of two wins in 20 games in all competitions at present.
United currently sit just two points above third bottom Fulham, with a significantly worse goal difference, although they do have a game in hand on the Cottagers.
Here our writer Liam Kennedy has pored over the ratings from the opening 29 fixtures and averaged out the best and worst performers. To get a rating each player must have started at least five Premier League games, cup appearances or bench showings are not included – a rule which cuts out recently restored Martin Dubravka, Geordie duo Matty Longstaff and Andy Carroll (all four) and out of favour and out of form striker Dwight Gayle (two).
9. 13. Jamal Lewis - 5.84 (20 starts)
In flashes has looked good but really does look like a work-in-progress defensively. Impossible to write the player off yet but it is also fair to say he has not justified United spending nearly half of their summer transfer budget on the player, especially now he can't get in the side for Paul Dummett. Photo: Clive Brunskill
10. 12. Sean Longstaff - 5.88 (nine starts)
Steve Bruce's scapegoat - that's summed up Longstaff's season so far. Blamed for the Sheffield United debacle - which was definitely not just his fault - Longstaff has found himself cut out by Bruce. After starting the season is OK it was also a steady decline for Longstaff, who has gone backwards not forwards under Bruce's guidance. Photo: Pool
11. 11. Ciaran Clark - 5.93 (17 starts)
The central defender has been pretty solid for United this season, but has had a few wobbles of late. A new contract was deserved but it might be time for a Federico Fernandez introduction, if this season's ratings are to be believed. Photo: Mike Hewitt
12. =8. Federico Fernandez - 6 (16 starts), DeAndre Yedlin - 6 (five starts) & Paul Dummett - 6 (five starts)
One of Newcastle United's joint eighth best players is not even at the club now, having been allowed to leave in the January window. It's been one of those seasons, I suppose. Argentine Fernandez has been one of United best two central defenders this season, while full-backs Yedlin and Dummett have been solid, despite being rarely used - the former as Bruce didn't fancy him and the second due mainly to injury. Photo: PAUL ELLIS