With a dozen games left to play, Steve Bruce’s side are deep relegation trouble and a third season in the Championship under Mike Ashley’s tenure is a distinct possibility.
Just three points separate the Magpies in 17th and Fulham, managed by former captain Scott Parker, in 18th, who are unbeaten in five matches.
The Cottagers' upturn in form is a real worry for United but in the words of Steve Bruce, “there are six or seven teams” looking over their shoulder.
All eyes are on each relegation-threatened club’s remaining fixtures – which includes Crystal Palace, Southampton, Burnley, Brighton, Newcastle, Fulham, West Brom and Sheffield United.
So, who has the hardest run-in on paper? We’ve worked out the average league position of United and their rivals’ remaining opponents – and it’s to say, there isn’t much in it.
1. 13th - Crystal Palace - 33 points
Average league position of remaining opponents: 9th. Remaining fixtures: Manchester United (H), Tottenham (A), West Brom (H), Everton (A), Chelsea (H), Southampton (A), Leicester City (A), Manchester City (H), Sheffield United (A), Aston Villa (H), Arsenal (H), Liverpool (A). Photo: Pool
2. 14th - Southampton - 30 points
Average league position of remaining opponents: 11th. Remaining fixtures: Everton (A), Sheffield United (A), Manchester City (A), Brighton (H), Burnley (H), West Brom (A), Crystal Palace (H), Leicester City (H), Liverpool (A), Fulham (H), Leeds (H), West Ham (A), Tottenham (A) - date TBC. Photo: Pool
3. 15th - Burnley - 28 points
Average league position of remaining opponents: 10th. Remaining fixtures: Leicester City (H), Arsenal (H), Everton (A), Southampton (A), Newcastle (H), Manchester United (A), Wolves (A), West Ham (H), Fulham (A), Leeds (H), Liverpool (H), Sheffield United (A). Photo: DANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS
4. 16th - Brighton & Hove Albion - 26 points
Average league position of remaining opponents: 10th. Remaining fixtures: Leicester City (H), Southampton (A), Newcastle (H), Manchester United (A), Everton (H), Chelsea (A), Sheffield United (A), Leeds (H), Wolves (A), West Ham (H), Manchester City (H), Arsenal (A). Photo: Clive Mason