Defeat to Bournemouth and the performance that accompanied it was evidence that Manchester United must improve in a number of areas, including passing, creating chances and defending.
Match-goers flocked to Old Trafford with a renewed sense of optimism on Saturday, after what was a wholly positive week on the United beat.
Erik ten Hag, Harry Maguire and Alejandro Garnacho had all won awards for their November form and then the team enjoyed one of their best performances of the season in a 2-1 win at Chelsea.
It took all of five minutes for that goodwill to dissipate. Bruno Fernandes' pass was weak, Scott McTominay was flat-footed and Dominic Solanke swept home the finish of a striker brimming with confidence - how United could do with one of those. RATINGS: Martial and Fernandes poor in defeat to Bournemouth ALSO READ: Fernandes names United's biggest problem after Bournemouth defeat In a season of lows, Saturday was the nadir.