It is a measure of how far Manchester United have come under Erik ten Hag that a first trophy in six years and a top-four finish might now be regarded as a disappointment.
But after their self-inflicted Europa League quarter-final defeat in Seville, a reasonable conclusion is that United's supporting cast is not good enough when key players from the first-choice XI are missing. I still believe Ten Hag has done an excellent job since United's early-season horrors against Brighton and Brentford. Winning the League Cup broke the longest trophy drought at Old Trafford for 40 years.
But if United lose their FA Cup semi-final against in-form Brighton this weekend, and go out of a second competition in four days, what could have been a hat-trick of trophies this season will be reduced to one almost at a stroke. And although they are in a strong position to finish third or fourth in the Premier League, that's not yet a done deal.
Like most people watching, I was shocked at the way United fell apart in Seville on Thursday night. After the seven-goal humiliation at Liverpool, I thought the days of capitulation were gone. From being 2-0 up in the tie with 10 minutes to go in the first leg, it's staggering that they managed to lose it 5-2 on aggregate.
But I was surprised at the way intelligent players who have coped on the big stage in the past froze and made dreadful mistakes. From back to front, it was a horror show which laid bare the need for major reinforcements this summer.
David de Gea is the best goalkeeper in the country at keeping the ball out of his net as a shot-stopper. But he is not the most comfortable with his feet if the management insists on playing out from the back.
I'm all for playing that way, and asking players to be brave on the ball in tight areas, but Sevilla's first goal was an absolute gift. Harry Maguire had three players around him and the trap was set, so just clear your lines and win the second ball higher up the pitch. But without Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane, United look less secure at the back and they lost too many duels.
De Gea has been a fabulous servant to United but he had a poor night, and although I have refused to join the pile-on criticising Maguire in the past, he didn't cover himself in glory this time.
In midfield, Casemiro and Christian Eriksen both looked tired, and I've been banging the drum all season so I'll bang it again: Manchester United need a No.9.
When Marcus Rashford is out, their goal threat is diminished. Wout Weghorst has been a useful stop-gap, but he is not the answer. Two goals in 25 appearances is not enough. And Anthony Martial doesn't score enough, either, even when United can keep him on the pitch. The gap between the first-choice players and the back-up personnel is startling.
For Ten Hag, director of football John Murtough and chief executive Richard Arnold, addressing strength in depth across the squad will be the top priority this summer.
Ten Hag has changed the culture, but on Thursday night they were second-best in every department, and a number of players who needed to fight for their places will find their United careers on the line.
Maybe I got a bit carried away a couple of months ago when I said Ten Hag's performance was up there with the best managers in Europe, but he has still restored Old Trafford as a fortress and put a trophy on the table.
But compare United shrinking to the occasion in a cauldron with Manchester City's 4-0 win in the same stadium against Sevilla in the Champions League last October.
Last season, United trailed in 35 points behind City in the Premier League, and Ten Hag has currently narrowed the deficit to 11 - but on the eye, the difference between the two teams is even bigger now.
