Once the drama had unfolded and a quite bonkers match was over at the Amex Stadium, there was still a cold reality staring Manchester United in the face.
Victory could not hide it and nor could the remarkable events that led to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's team snatching the most fortuitous of wins several minutes after the final whistle had sounded.
This remains a decidedly average United team. One who have started the season being outplayed by two opponents likely to finish in the bottom half of the Premier League table. One who are destined to stay in the shadow of Liverpool and Manchester City for the foreseeable future.