A statistic spread rapidly after Manchester United's defeat to Brighton in the FA Cup. 40 matches - that is their maximum number of matches this season. This is Man United's shortest season since the 1914-1915 campaign, when there were no cup matches because of World War I.
The defeat to Grimsby in the second round of the Carabao Cup, followed by the defeat to Brighton in the FA Cup, made this the first time Man United was eliminated from both domestic cups right in the first round since the 1981-1982 season.
Not only do the numbers evoke sad memories. Another familiar feeling also appears: Danny Welbeck. The last time Man United played 45 matches or less in a season was 11 years ago, when Welbeck scored the decisive goal to help Arsenal win 2-1 at Old Trafford in the FA Cup.
In the context of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Michael Carrick emerging as the two main candidates for the role of interim coach - those who used to hold this position in the past - the story being continuously dragged back to "old days" makes the atmosphere at Old Trafford even heavier.
So what will the future be like?
The "Red Devils" are currently one of only 3 teams in the Premier League that will only play in the national championship from now until May. The other two teams are Bournemouth and Everton. Even the teams in the bottom group still have a chance to compete for titles this season. As for Man United, the door to titles has closed.
The most realistic goal at this time is a Champions League spot. Man United are three points behind the fourth-placed team in a race where even fifth place can win a European Cup spot. Interim coach Darren Fletcher still believes the team still has a chance.
That is completely possible this season. That's not what fans want to hear about Manchester United. They should have won titles and competed for the Premier League title.
That is the current situation. We have to face and solve it. This is not Manchester United's level or what people expect. But we have to do something to change it. We have to take a step by winning a Champions League spot - this is important for many reasons" - Man United's interim coach said.
If he wins a Champions League spot from this moment, it will be a great success - not according to the standards of the old Man United, but according to the current measure of the club. However, the barrier is very clear.
In the immediate future, there is a harsh schedule. Man United's next 2 matches are against the two strongest opponents. Manchester City will come to Old Trafford in the next match. This is already a heavy test, but it becomes even more confusing when it is not certain who will sit in the coaching chair in that match.
After the Manchester derby, Man United also had to play away at Arsenal's stadium. When that match ended, they could be 9 points behind the top 4. Not impossible to win points, but with Fletcher calling the team "fragile", it is very difficult to expect a series of results capable of turning things around.
According to the forecast of supercomputer Opta, M.U has only 4.9% chance of finishing in the top 4 in May. Statistically, 4 teams are in a more favorable position than them in this race, including Brentford (ranked fifth).
In that contrasting picture, Brentford is described as a unified operating team, possessing impressive home form and a forward aiming for more than 30 goals this season. Conversely, Man United shows many worrying signs.
According to current forecasts, Man United may end the season in eighth place, 10 points behind the Champions League spot, and even risk failing to qualify for the European Cup. The prospect of Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS's 2 full seasons at Old Trafford ending without titles and without Europe is entirely possible.
And just like the night of losing to Brighton, Man United fans have almost nothing to celebrate from now until May. The only consolation is probably that with the remaining 17 matches, this tiring waiting period will not last too long.
