Manchester United fans are getting used to the routine by now. In the 10 years since Sir Alex Ferguson retired, there have been periods of despair, followed by hope, and then back to despair.
Not so long ago there was optimism around Old Trafford, prompted by Erik ten Hag's first season in charge, but this week has been a bad one even by United's standards. Barely a month into the new campaign, Ten Hag is having to deal with a long injury list, accusations of abuse surrounding winger Antony and a public rift with forward Jadon Sancho.