'It can't get any worse than last season' - or can it?
That's a question Manchester United fans may well be asking themselves on Saturday evening after watching their team fall apart against Brentford, refusing to put up a fight during the 90 minutes of action. Managers have come and gone within the last decade, with Erik ten Hag simply the latest individual to discover the deep-rooted issues that exist at the club.
Last season saw the Red Devils record their lowest-ever Premier League points tally (58) as well as registering a goal difference of zero, leaving supporters unsurprisingly glad to see the back of the campaign. Liverpool were the team responsible for delivering two of United's most embarrassing scorelines, winning 5-0 at Old Trafford and 4-0 at Anfield, but the arrival of Ten Hag left fans hoping that change could be around the corner.
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The Dutchman's pre-season got off to the perfect start as he recorded a 4-0 win over Liverpool to claim the Bangkok Century Cup, which was followed up by similarly comprehensive results against Melbourne Victory and Crystal Palace. Things were seemingly on the up at this point, but expectations have quickly come crashing back down to reality with the team positioned at the bottom of the top-flight table.
It should come as no surprise Brentford were able to inflict such a devastating blow, however, for seven of the players who started in the Red Devils' 5-0 home defeat to Jurgen Klopp's side were again named in the starting-eleven to take on the Bees. United being on the received end of humiliating scorelines is simply in keeping with their unfortunate habit of going missing in matches.
Ten Hag spoke of his desire to 'battle' with Manchester City and Liverpool during his first press conference as manager of the club - his priorities lie elsewhere three months down the line.
"In this moment, I admire them both, Manchester City and Liverpool. They both play really fantastic football, both Liverpool and Man City," he told reporters at the end of May. "But you will always see an era can come to an end and I am looking forward to battle with them, and I am sure all the other Premier League clubs will want to do that.
"I don't see it as a risk," he added on becoming the club's new permanent manager. "This club has a great history, now let's make the future! I am excited to do that with the people around and with the new staff. We will go from day to day, 100% committed and I am sure we will get success."
The 52-year-old is about to face his biggest test yet as Liverpool visit Old Trafford next Monday, a fixture in which there is often no hiding place for players. United supporters may continue to hold on to the idea that things can't get worse for their club, but Klopp's side have the power to prove that is not the case.
Five goals were scored without reply on Liverpool's previous trip to the home of the Red Devils - and there is little evidence to suggest Ten Hag's side are equipped to prevent a collapse of a similar scale on this occasion.
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