Time appears to be running out for the Magpies manager - can he come roaring back?
Cesc Fabregas of Como
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Those who were there and know suggest that Eddie Howe looks like the haunted man who saw his world collapse around him in his last season at Bournemouth.
Howe, it is said, paid the ultimate price for being too loyal to players, too rigid in his tactics, failing to patch up a defence which leaked far too many goals, and poor recruitment during the previous summer. Sound familiar?
It was essentially Team Eddie behind the scenes even then. He wielded the ultimate power and when a plan which had worked brilliantly ran out of legs there was no positive alternative thinking.
All this is not to say Howe isn't a very good manager. That both Bournemouth and Newcastle don't owe him heart felt thanks for rare glory. Eddie touched the sky. It's just a recognition that perhaps all good things eventually come to an end.
Can Howe become Houdini? Can he get out of an impregnable strait jacket? All the signs aren't good: the manager's downbeat body language (he looks a beaten man), the match stats, the weakening desire of fragile or indifferent players.
The tide seems to be running in only one direction and it will take a miracle to turn the waters. So it also is with the fans - where opinion was split over Eddie and ferociously argued by both sides more are beginning to join the 'go' contingent even if with a tinge of real sadness. The perfect answer would be for Howe to come roaring out of adversity and sweep away all doubts but can he?
If United eventually decide to replace him the problem would be who could handle the pressure that comes with the club. Like handling the expectation of wearing the No 9 shirt.
Maybe Cesc Fabregas would be an innovative choice who would quicken the pulse given what he has done spectacularly at Como. But who else? Fabian Hurzeler: no. Ruben Amorin: no. Brendan Rodgers: no. Jose Mourinho: no for goodness sake. He is not the manager he once was.
It is easy to get rid but a darned sight harder to replace with better. Remember when Joe Harvey was sacked we got deserter Gordon Lee followed by the inept Richard Dinnis. After Bobby Robson took a bullet came Graeme Souness, Glenn Roeder and Sam Allardyce. All downhill.
However time is running out for Howe. It doesn't get any easier when, after losing to Barcelona, to Sunderland at home and to Crystal Palace, the disillusioned Magpies must front up to Bournemouth - unbeaten in a dozen Premier League fixtures - and table-toppers Arsenal in their next two fixtures.
Where do Geordies find hope apart from in blind faith? Where on earth do we go with the team? Well, there's no Joelinton after his latest tough-guy stupidity brought a ban against Bournemouth and Arsenal and plenty others could sit on the sidelines with him given their performances.
Those who didn't start at Selhurst Park probably saw their reputations increased the most. Certainly Jacob Ramsey who when he came on added something rather than just blended into the wallpaper. His attitude was commendable.
Lewis Miley did okay, Lewis Hall as usual gave us sweat, but who else? Honestly, did you recognise Sandro Tonali, Malick Thiaw, Sven Botman, Anthony Gordon, Tino Livramento from the players we once knew? What's happened? Look in the mirror you lot and be truthful. Are you earning the cheque?
Thiaw had a great start like Nick Woltemade but is now living on that early impression. He and Botman were bullied by Jean-Philippe Mateta while Livramento treats the back stick like it's a lamp post to lean on. He is bearing the gifts of a charity worker.
Bring back Kieran Trippier even if 35 years of rust have coated the legs. Resurrect Dan Burn in the hope that a big heart will withstand further bullying. I know, we're clutching at straws but what else can we do?
Miley could play right-back but he'll be needed in a midfield shorn of Bruno and Joelinton. Fabian Schar has had a relapse. We all have.
FOOTNOTE: In an effort to bring United fans light relief I can announce the launch of an NUFC quiz night at the Fleet Street pub just off the Bigg Market in Newcastle's city centre when we can wallow in nostalgia and our memories of the eventful years, good and bad.
I will be acting as quiz master on Tuesday of next week on stage from 6pm until 9pm. How well do you know your club? Come and test your knowledge.