'Since Sir Alex Ferguson took the helm at Manchester United in 1986, Newcastle have employed eight managers; he described them as "an unusual club", which is unquestionable. "They are like us," he said. "I go back to when I arrived at United, when they hadn’t won anything but still had the biggest attendances, which only comes through deep-rooted loyalty. Newcastle fans will go into work on Monday and feel absolutely terrible, because sometimes their passion is so great it can make them sick."
At least it is a familiar pain. As Wayne Rooney caused havoc, Ruud van Nistelrooy re-emerged as a menacing centre forward and Paul Scholes scampered merrily, Newcastle froze. "I can’t be critical of my players," Souness said, "because they’ve been beaten up physically and mentally this week."