When Manchester United's season began at home to Wolves on August 14, there was plenty of optimism and hope among supporters that a fruitful campaign lay ahead.
One of world football's quintessential ball-playing goalkeepers had joined from Champions League finalists Inter Milan, Erik ten Hag's midfield had been refreshed by the arrival of Mason Mount and an encouraging young striker had been signed to take the goal-scoring burden off Marcus Rashford.
Fast-forward three weeks and that optimism has been seriously dampened. Amid City's utter dominance, a title charge was never realistically on the cards and United's form over the opening four games of the season suggests they face a fight to finish in the top four.
United's home record under Ten Hag last season was exemplary, and results-wise that has continued into the new campaign, but their away record is diabolical and serious cause for concern. Read more: Sancho may find there is no way back for him at United Under Ten Hag, against teams that finished inside the top 14 in last season's Premier League, United's record reads: played 15, won two, drawn three, lost 10.