Here are three pertinent questions for each and every Newcastle United player ahead of their reintroduction to a packed St James' Park on Sunday.

Question One: do you want to return to play in Europe next season, preferably in the prestigious Champions League?

Question Two: do you want to win United's first domestic trophy in 70 years, the Carabao Cup, with all the legendary status that would bring?

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Question Three: do you want to have a genuine crack at following Jackie Milburn and Bobby Mitchell as Magpie FA Cup winners?

I only ask because all three targets are achievable but all three can be spectacularly blown starting with a home match against fellow Champions League chasers Nottingham Forest. United's season-long dreams in the only competitions they qualified to enter are at risk over the next 26 days, Europe and both domestic cups. If that doesn't concentrate minds then nothing will.

What Manchester City told us is that United have immediate and longer-term problems to address if the good ship Magpie is to remain steadfastly on course - first make certain all the excellent work, all the excitement and tingling anticipation created, doesn't count for nought. Are players subconsciously coasting towards Wembley as a safeguard against injury which would see them missing out on a showpiece celebration? There is a suspicion that some were at the Etihad.

After taking care of the immediate situation the onus will then switch come the summer to the club's hierarchy - reinforcements must be bought after three sterile transfer windows because United have lost ground on all their main rivals by doing nothing. We know the reasons why. They are trumpeted almost daily but a way round the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability Rules must be negotiated. Eddie Howe has repeatedly talked of United going stale through lack of competition for places right across the team sheet and that is painfully true. Being pushed by rivalry keeps everyone on their toes, focussed, and ensures they keep their foot on the accelerator. In addition Europe couldn't be faced with the current squad due to the extra workload.

Failure to make significant summer signings would demoralise both manager and players who would be unable to see a clear path opening ahead. While negotiating their way through the minefield of financial restrictions United must translate long-term vision into positive action. It is almost four years since the takeover but major decisions on things such as the ground, vital to raising funds, have yet to be concluded and time is of the essence. Now every day that passes without apparent action is a wasted day.

Back to the present and we seek reassurances on the playing field. A passive approach converts into defeat which converts into missing out on Europe and losing to Liverpool on the big day because form cannot be miraculously turned on come the dawn of March 16. It is like the domino effect, start the collapse and there is no stopping it.

A glance at the local history books will confirm the dangers. In United's very first Wembley appearance after Wor Jackie's years of dominance, the 1974 FA Cup, the Magpies won one First Division game out of eight between the semis and the big day. Likewise in the modern times of Howe and Saudi ownership the build up to the 2023 Carabao Cup was strewn with mediocrity - third top at the time, United failed to gain a victory in three fixtures two of which were at home. In both finals Newcastle were comprehensively beaten come the hour and a half of need.

These days Howe is always banging on that players must have tunnel vision and concentrate on nought but the next match. Therefore concentrate on the PL, then FA Cup against Brighton, back to the PL, and finally the Carabao Cup. That way you have the best chance of success when Wembley arrives. I hope all are listening.

Geordies will always applaud those carried out on their shield defeated but valiant and not just hail glorious conquerers. They appreciate those who sweat blood for the badge but have little time for others who if not running up a white flag accept with a shrug of inevitability what is coming their way.

While we have always loved players of flourish and grace provided by the likes of Peter Beardsley, Wor Jackie, Alan Shearer, SuperMac, and Gazza there has been equal applause for the 100 per centers who come up with big hearts and blockbuster saving tackles. That is just as vital a commodity.

What it boils down to is that United's faithful want evidence on Sunday that further inept displays of little resistance are not to be served up in their name. Sweat and passion are compulsory not a bonus. Words are all well and good - sorry it won't happen again - but deeds are what count.

Equally it must be said that this same bunch of players have on many occasions this season been magnificent though of course occasionally they are going to be beaten when off form or meeting absolute quality. Everyone appreciates that and there are ways that defeat is acceptable while not welcome but it is never acceptable when players look like sheep herded round green grass at will by more committed opponents.