April showers ... five not so glorious days

2013: 6-0 defeat to Liverpool

An utterly pathetic display under Alan Pardew. United shipped six but it could have been 16 on a day when the manager admitted his side lost “their discipline.” Mathieu Debuchy’s red card was symptomatic of a performance which was totally unacceptable.

2014: 4-0 defeat to Manchester United

Another end-of-season collapse. Pardew admitted his side lacked “quality” but they also lacked fight and discipline on a day of humiliation at St James’ Park. It was the second week running United had let in four.

2015: 1-0 defeat to Sunderland

John Carver was down to the bare bones for the trip to the Stadium of Light but even with square pegs in round holes, they should have put up more of a fight than this. Jermain Defoe’s brilliant goal settled it but United offered very little on a day when the mood was as grey as their shirts.

2015: The boycott

After weeks of apathy, United’s fans decided to act. A boycott led by the newlyformed AshleyOut group made plenty of noise and had success in persuading many to stay away or protest outside. The club heeded the warning.

2016: 3-1 defeat to Southampton

Benitez did get United playing again in April, with defeats of Swansea and Crystal Palace - but before then there was a very typical April performance at Southampton. Daryl Janmaat broke his hand and Jamaal Lascelles laid down the law in chaotic dressing-room scenes.