Manchester United's win against Lyon and Europa League title could justify the defeat at Newcastle. Otherwise, it's seen as another setback in a historically tough season.
United's disastrous second-half performance, in which they gave the home team three goals, cost them a 4-1 loss to a rampaging Newcastle team.
United were already under strain since so much was riding on the Europa League before Lyon's visit to Old Trafford on Thursday. Now there's more.
After recent improvements, Ruben Amorim hopes this was an anomaly. If United repeats a similar performance against Lyon in the quarterfinal's second leg, their UEFA Champions League qualification chances for next season could end.
From the beginning, Amorim kept a watchful eye on Lyon.
Christian Eriksen and Victor Lindelöf, likely to depart in summer, were brought in by the Portuguese coach, who also gave 18-year-old Harry Amass his Premier League debut.
André Onana was left off the league roster, with Altay Bayindir selected for the first team. Onana was "rested," but his two costly mistakes in France midweek cast doubt on this explanation.
Although it was not a particularly noteworthy occasion, Bayindir had to wait over eighteen months to make his debut in the Premier League.
In the first half, the Turkey international marked the moment with one spectacular save against Alexander Isak. That was all in terms of highlights.
Newcastle's fourth goal was his fault due to consistent ball control issues. He had a straightforward finish after Bruno Guimarães received the ball after Joelinton cut off his pass into midfield.
Amorim saved Fernandes for the final ten minutes. Although Fernandes is seldom replaced, United needs him to be as healthy and vibrant as possible if they are to defeat Lyon.
Fernandes starts against Lyon. Bayindir awaits a retention decision post-Onana's errors, with Heaton potentially invited. Amorim remains silent.
Bayindir was not the only one who made mistakes. Tino Livramento surged past Diogo Dalot to ignite Newcastle's strong second half. Amass, Lindelöf, and Leny Yoro were caught off guard, letting Jacob Murphy set up Harvey Barnes.
Additionally, Barnes scored the third goal as he exploited a mistake made by Noussair Mazraoui and raced unopposed through the middle of United's defense. Eriksen and Lindelöf will not want to watch the replay.
Joshua Zirkzee's injury added to Amorim's suffering in the second half. Netherlands attacker may miss rest of season after hamstring injury.
Then Lyon. Some of the harm done here will be undone by securing a spot in the Europa League semifinals. United's season will officially end if they do anything less.
They are mathematically certain to finish with their lowest Premier League points total after losing to Newcastle, as the campaign has ended.
Newcastle climbed to fourth, boosting Champions League hopes after defeating United for their first league double since 1931, despite manager Eddie Howe being hospitalized Friday night.
Amorim's hopes of winning depend on their performance against Lyon. United must quickly move past their Newcastle defeat to succeed.