A year ago Manchester United surrendered encouraging home draws in the domestic cups with supine and accommodating performances, giving up chances of silverware to West Ham and Middlesbrough at Old Trafford.
Those meek and mild exits from the Carabao Cup and FA Cup summed up a wretched season. There was nothing scary about United, unless you were watching from the Stretford End when you had to peak through your fingers.
On Tuesday they will play a seventh consecutive domestic cup tie at Old Trafford, but this time nobody is expecting a shock. After knocking Everton out of the FA Cup it's now eight wins in a row for Erik ten Hag's side in front of their own fans.
