What next for Manchester United?published at 11:55 Greenwich Mean Time 5 February 2022
Simon Stone
BBC Sport at Old Trafford
Make no mistake, this is a body blow to Manchester United.
Home defeats early in both domestic cup competitions means they now require an unlikely Champions League triumph to avoid going without a trophy for a fifth straight season.
Rumours persist that United's players are unsure of what is being asked of them by Rangnick, and the fact two players - Anthony Martial and Jesse Lingard - have gone to the media to contradict his comments is startling. Certainly, it is difficult to imagine any player doing that in Sir Alex Ferguson's time.
United have little time to lick their wounds.
Over an eight-day period, they face Burnley, Southampton and Brighton, a series of games leading up to their return to the Champions League during which they should really consolidate their top-four place in the Premier League.
Anything less than nine points, though, and the alarm bells will start getting louder and louder.