Manchester United risk creating an unimaginable scenario for their next manager

When David de Gea produced a 95th-minute save to deny West Ham captain Mark Noble from the penalty spot at the London Stadium on September 19, it felt like the good times were returning to Manchester United.

The club had ended the day joint-top of the Premier League table, level on points with Chelsea and Liverpool, and three clear of cross-city rivals Manchester City, with all 20 clubs having played their first five matches. There was a sense of optimism in the air and the celebrations amongst the United players on the pitch following the full-time whistle signified just how big a victory it was, ensuring it kept their early-season momentum alive.

Spending north of £120million on Raphael Varane, Jadon Sancho and Cristiano Ronaldo during the summer transfer window, United, especially former manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, had the weight of the world on their shoulders. The Norwegian had been significantly backed in the window and United had all of the necessary tools to compete for English football's ultimate prize once again, eight years after last laying their hands on the title.

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Just over five months later, United now run the risk of missing out on a place in next season's Champions League, with Saturday's goalless draw with Watford being the latest setback in what is proving to be a forgettable campaign. Although the stalemate with the Hornets has kept them in the top-four, albeit by the skin of their teeth, Arsenal, West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur are all breathing down their neck.

Whilst West Ham are just one place and two points behind United in the standings, Arsenal are two places and two points