United's SaviourFlickr - Jacky Nguyen

United fans have simple tastes. However, even the most unrefined Red Devils had grown accustomed to the pomp and prosperity that emanated from Old Trafford in the Ferguson era. And so it has not been without resentment that they have witnessed their team's slump into mid-table mediocrity. Indeed, a recent poll on 'unitedrant' revealed that a staggering 89 per cent of fans believe that the club's executive vice-chairman, Ed Woodward, should be sacked.

Four matches into the new season, the decline shows no sign of letting up. A 4-0 thumping at the hands of League 1 side MK Dons, resulting in Manchester United's earliest exit from the League Cup since 1995, highlighted the enormity of the challenge faced by Louis Van Gaal. Anderson being brought on as the game-changing substitute underlined it, and then italicized it, in red.

Going forwards, United’s play has been characterised by laboured passing and minimal off-the-ball movement which has stifled the team's ability to create chances. Ashley Young, in particular, despite some glittering pre-season performances playing in the left wing back role has in the early stages of the season seemed more, dare I say it, himself. With 7 out of 7 failed crosses against Sunderland, Young is still very much the player we know and almost certainly don't love.

However, this has been overshadowed by United's defensive frailties which have proved their most immediate problem. Operating on the left side of an inexperienced (inept) three man defence, Jonny Evans has thus far displayed the defensive capability of a training cone, but with less aerial presence. Van Gaal, noted for his tactical flexibility, must determine whether Evans' poor performances have been a result of lack of understanding of a new system, or rather an issue of ability. A 21 per cent long pass completion rate would suggest the latter. Evans is not however solely to blame for United's defensive woes; Smalling and Blackett too have struggled – a far cry from the Ferdinand and Vidic pairing which proved so reliable for so long.

Despite knowing the severity of the task ahead, it has been a, now customary, baffling transfer window performance from Ed Woodward. With a defence in desperate need of strengthening, the decision was made to bring in two headline signings, Angel Di Maria and Radamel Falcao, both of course famous for being not centre-backs. Whether as a result of panic or incompetence (it's definitely because of incompetence), Woodward has made a serious error of judgement which has left the team's not inconsiderable weaknesses overlooked. His failure to lure a world class defender (Mats Hummels seemed the most likely candidate) to Old Trafford has forced United to make do with Dutch defender-come-midfielder Daley Blind, a player unlikely to be turning many heads any time soon. Needless to say that he only has 63 pace on Fifa 14. Whilst United fans will be disappointed if they don’t see Blind setting Old Trafford on fire, they will be desperately hoping that another incoming defender, Marcos Rojo, currently under a criminal investigation, doesn’t. Of course, that would first require him to be allowed into the country. That remains a work in progress.

Not a defenderFlickr - Iana2021

Oh, and there’s also Ander Herrera. He may actually prove quite a shrewd signing. Well done, Woodward. Well done you.

Nevertheless, given the general failure to secure the necessary personnel, Van Gaal would now surely be wise to switch to a less vulnerable back four, a system Jones et al would be far more comfortable playing in. Unfortunately however, Louis Van Gaal is not wise but arrogant.

There has, however, been one noteworthy positive (goal difference not being it). Phil Jones’ promising form has somewhat atoned for the fragility of the rest of the United defence.

Yes, I dropped Van Persie. Deal with it...Fifa Ultimate Team - Daniel Hanna

With close to £150 million spent in this transfer window, Louis Van Gaal will have few excuses should his side not achieve a top four finish come the end of the season, the very least fans will be expecting. After 25 years at the top, they're not ready to give up the Fergie lifestyle just yet.