It's not been a vintage couple of weeks for anyone connected with Manchester United.
A run of two wins from six matches has seen United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer come under intense scrutiny after some stellar work in the transfer market saw expectations soar.
With tough games against Liverpool and Manchester City on the horizon, United need to find their groove ahead of what looks to be a make or break period for Solskjaer.
Now, you don't need to be a footballing genius to realise that something isn't quite right at United. Is it the manager? Is it the players? Is it the formation? Is Fred the Red to blame? Well, we thought we'd take a look at the season so far and pinpoint some key changes that could see an upturn in United's fortunes.
1. Style of play
There's been a lack of fluency and urgency in United's play this season and the statistics don't look good.
United's squad have averaged a total of 117.3 'pressures' per 90 minutes this season compared to their average tally of 132.7 per 90 minutes last season. This tells us they're not working as hard to win the ball back and so have struggled to dominate games.
However, when they have controlled the game, they've struggled to create chances. In the 1-1 draw with Everton, Solskjaer's men had 72% possession but registered just six shots on target. The Toffees sat back and hit United on the break, scoring from one of just two shots on target all game.
United need to find the balance between controlling games and not being caught out on the break, and moving the ball faster and being more progressive in their passing will definitely help. And that provides a perfect segue into my next point...
2. Change in midfield
Now, it's not that I dislike Fred or Scott McTominay, I just don't think they complement each other when played as a pair.
Fred and McTominay are guilty of playing too many sideways passes and it just isn't helping United transition from defence to attack.
McTominay is much better as a number eight and Fred definitely has something to offer with his ability to carry the ball forward, but Solskjaer needs to find a balance. He needs a midfield that's both creative and offers defensive stability, and the best way to do that is to play either Paul Pogba or Donny van de Beek in there.
However, if you play either Pogba or Van de Beek next to Fred or McTominay, it isn't going to work. Fred played alongside Pogba in a pivot against Wolves and United looked massively exposed.
The answer? Nemanja Matic has to play more games.
The veteran midfielder has more assists than Fred and McTominay combined this season - even if it's only one. Yes, he's 33 and won't be able to play every game, but in the really important outings, he has to be given a chance.
Play him alongside Pogba or Van de Beek and United will have both an attacking outlet and defensive stability in their midfield.
3. Defence is still a problem
Last season, United's main problem was their defence, with some very sloppy goals conceded. Despite the signing of world-class defender Raphael Varane, this season has seen much of the same, with United keeping just one clean sheet.
Individual errors have continued to plague United's game. Fred was outmuscled by Demarai Gray for Andros Townsend's goal in the last Premier League outing, while Diogo Dalot was at fault for the goal scored by Paco Alcacer in the Champions League win over Villarreal.
With captain Harry Maguire missing through injury, Varane has had to raise his game, and while he's done well he needs help from his colleagues.
With some really tough games to come, United can't afford to keep making individual errors or they'll definitely be punished.
Where do you think United need to improve? Follow our United On My Mind writer Omar Garrick on Twitter to get involved in the discussion and give us your thoughts on the matter in the comments section below.
