Draining day of destiny awaits

Surely fragile confidence has been somewhat restored in a dressing-room where destiny resides. Surely Alan Shearer can again lift fluttering hearts and instil steely defiance.

Yet, as we await Geordie fate and prepare for another 90 draining minutes, let Mike Ashley take a fleeting look at Fulham - and feel ashamed.

They are a small club of supposed no-hopers, Newcastle a giant waiting to be awakened to march on the world.

Craven Cottage sees attendances of less than 23,000, while St James's Park is more often than not packed with 50,000- plus. United's wage bill is astronomical, Fulham's conservative.

However, it is they who are seventh-top and hunting a Europa League place, and United who are fourth bottom and trying to fend off the humiliation of going down. They are where we should be.

Why? Because on limited resources they have made better decisions, especially in the transfer market, than Newcastle.

Such is the standing of Fulham's wily old manager Roy Hodgson that, having seen relegation defied by a string of late victories last season, he has through commonsense and astute mind produced a team the envy of many and good enough for lots of judges to suggest he is in reality the Manager of the Year, though no such accolade will come his way.

However, enough of recriminations. Let those be left for the season's end, when stock must be taken and action result.

Right now, here tomorrow afternoon, it is about beating opposition much better than a ragged Boro.

They are nevertheless not invincible. Superb at home with 11 Premier League victories, the Cottagers have only won twice on the road, though they have proved difficult to beat with eight draws on top. Not mission impossible, but tough enough.

United found unexpected heroes on Wednesday night. Men like Mark Viduka, Damien Duff and Kevin Nolan, who have attracted criticism like a magnet for a variety of reasons.

Viduka looked awesome and reminded us of what a wasted talent he is. What he might have been with ambition! He is crucial against Fulham because no-one else can do his job as well as him.

No other target man has his brain and brawn, his good feet and neat touch.

Peter Lovenkrands showed he possesses more end product than the quick but ineffectual Jonas Gutierrez, and Oba Martins, if only he can keep his mind and body in some sort of shape, is a wild card with more goal threat right now than a strangely subdued Michael Owen, who so far is finishing the season in poor form.

United's destiny is back in their own hands thanks to the derby demolition - but only by the flimiest of threads, goal difference. Let it not be wasted.

The Magpies are 180 minutes from salvation. One last mighty push is required to retain what many believe is not warranted. We do not care about that. Safety is all that matters - for the moment!