Poor results have led to the 43-year-old being questioned early in his Black Cats tenure

Michael Beale is perplexed by the outrage directed towards his Sunderland days.

In his six games in charge of the Black Cats, the former Rangers manager has only won two, drawn one, and lost two. They have now dropped their last two games in a row, both at home against Hull City, their rivals for the English Championship promotion play-off berths, and away at title-chasing Ipswich.

After well-liked former manager Tony Mowbray was fired, Beale was appointed; nevertheless, nothing about

his early term has moved the fans’ sentiments. They also expressed their

displeasure during the Tigers’ loss, and anti-Beale shouts were heard.

The 43-year-old was asked about the situation in his press conference previewing the weekend’s clash with Stoke City.

And he remarked cynically, “It’s a major crisis.” We have a home game coming up and are currently sitting three points outside of the playoffs. I’m a little puzzled and confused by the external object.

Commenters and the mention of “outside” noise seem to have infuriated supporters even more.

One said online: “If he’s wondering what the outside is. It’s where I’ll be telling him to to get on Saturday.”

“I’m sure the ‘outside thing’ will let him know how they feel on Saturday when Stoke go ahead 1-0,” another commenter said.

“The words of somebody who doesn’t expect to last, but doesn’t want to go too soon to avoid embarrassment,” another Mackem said. He can’t possibly say this and expect a long-term relationship.