Manchester United could be about to get another reminder of the Glazers' failings

It was not all that long ago that a UEFA Champions League meeting between Manchester United and Bayern Munich would have been too close to call.

The two global heavyweights are steeped in history and have won a total of nine European Cups between them. Over the past decade, however, their respective trajectories have been anything but similar.

While Bayern celebrated winning an 11th successive Bundesliga title at the end of last season, United celebrated climbing back into the top four and securing Champions League qualification. For two clubs who have so often competed for the top prizes over the years, success has been measured differently for each of them in more recent times.

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United, for the most part, have been starved of success since Sir Alex Ferguson retired just over a decade ago, winning just six trophies since he vacated the dugout. Under Erik ten Hag, however, there is a confidence that United, with time and the right resources, can reassert their dominance, both domestically and in Europe.

The Dutchman, poached from Ajax in April 2022, enjoyed a successful maiden season at Old Trafford last term, leading the club to a top-four finish, a first trophy in six years and installing a much-needed identity again. All of the positivity that was generated last season, however, is already at risk of being damaged by the club's slow start to this campaign.

Saturday's 3-1 defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion marked United's third defeat in their opening five Premier League matches. Their performances, even in the two games they have won so far this season, have failed to offer much in the way of