Chelsea vs Liverpool FC cup final offers harsh reality for Erik ten Hag and Manchester United

"I'm already on to the next cup, this one is in," Erik ten Hag joked after he accidentally left the Carabao Cup trophy in the press conference room following Manchester United's victory last season.

A year later, two of their biggest rivals are preparing to square off in a Wembley showpiece on Sunday afternoon, while United have been left licking their wounds following a shock defeat to Fulham. United ensured last season was one of success when they ended their trophy drought with a victory over Newcastle United at Wembley. At the time, it was viewed as a springboard for further triumphs.

They could be coming as part of the Ineos investment in the club, though it remains unclear whether or not Ten Hag will be the one to oversee them. United have regressed this season, and in four days, their hopes of winning a trophy could be ended as well.

MATCH REACTION: Ten Hag blames substitution for defeat to Fulham

PLAYER RATINGS: Garnacho good but Fernandes poor

United put up a feeble defence of the Carabao Cup this campaign, crashing out in the fourth round following a 3-0 home defeat to Newcastle in November. They remain in the FA Cup but must go and win at Nottingham Forest in midweek, a side they lost to in the Premier League less than two months ago.

It already looks impossible that they will match last season's third-place finish in the Premier League, with the stark possibility that they will miss out on Champions League qualification altogether. United's unfortunate injury situation has certainly been a contributing factor to their recent regression, though it has also been too convenient of an excuse at times. For all of their absentees, their level of performance has simply not been good enough.

A year after their