Ralf Rangnick's appointment as Manchester United manager injected some much-needed optimism into the campaign - that all seems a very long time ago now.
United were awful against Newcastle on Monday night and clearly miles off what Rangnick wants from his side.
The interim boss was brought in with the hope he could bring a new philosophy to the club and revive a season that was already in danger of petering out before Christmas.
And while four games without defeat and only two goals conceded looks a solid start on paper, just four goals scored and reports of dressing room disharmony prove he's got a huge job on his hands.
The last two performances in particular have been shocking. When you consider United have played relegation candidates Newcastle and Norwich, and yet still they've struggled to assert their authority on the games, it's hard not to be worried about what's to come.
The January transfer window is looking like an even more crucial part of United's 2021/22 season with each passing game, as Rangnick looks to save a campaign that had previously been billed as United's chance to mount a genuine title challenge.
Incomings are expected, though outgoings could also be on the agenda.
Veteran frontman Edinson Cavani could be on his way to Barcelona, Paul Pogba's uncertain Old Trafford future leaves him open to a potential January move away and Jesse Lingard finds himself in a very similar position, though MEN Sport understands the latter will not be heading for the exit door next month.
One man whose United future has been called into question more times than he's played games since moving to Old Trafford is Donny van de Beek.
Just about every United fan in the world must have asked for Van de Beek to be handed more opportunities to impress since he signed from Ajax in 2020. There's clearly a terrific player in there but whether we'll ever get to see him showcase his talents is up for debate.
The departure of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has seen a lot of players offered a fresh start, with Diogo Dalot and Alex Telles just two of the players who look to have benefitted from Rangnick's arrival.
However, Van de Beek's plight remains the same, with his outing in the 1-1 draw against Young Boys his only meaningful appearance since Rangnick was appointed - and no, five-minute cameos against Norwich and Crystal Palace don't count.
The 4-2-2-2 system feels perfect for a player like Van de Beek, who could either play as an attacking midfielder or in the number eight role. But, as per usual, it seems he's way down the pecking order.
That being said, a rare opportunity may have just presented itself, with Bruno Fernandes suspended for the visit of Burnley on Thursday after picking up a yellow card in the dismal draw at Newcastle.
Van de Beek may be about to be afforded his chance to show his worth to the team, playing in his preferred advanced role rather than being shoehorned into another area of the pitch.
If Van de Beek doesn't start against Sean Dyche's side - despite the player he was brought in to deputise for not being available for selection - it will surely be a massive indication of where his future lies (or, to be more precise, where it doesn't lie).
The January transfer window will be Rangnick's first real chance to show us who he considers a valuable part of the squad, but the game against Burnley could offer us a sneak peek into what the future holds for Van de Beek.
Should Van de Beek start against Burnley? 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.
