Manchester United host Liverpool at Old Trafford on Monday night as they look to avoid losing their first three league games since the 1986-87 season.
As the ball hit the back of United's net for the fourth time in West London on Saturday afternoon, the reality of Erik ten Hag's challenge sunk in. It was a result that even the most pessimistic fan would not have seen coming and a sign of the club's slow but steady demise since the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson.
They say that when it rains, it pours - and there is no respite for United as their next match sees them come up against bitter rivals Liverpool. Ten Hag will know that unless his side can upset the odds, the reality of losing their first three matches in-a-row is staring him in the face.
