Manchester United fans saw their weekend ruined by Saturday’s latest disappointing performance at Swansea City.
Louis van Gaal’s side’s form has been poor for a number of weeks now, but they have continued to grind out results in their pursuit of a top four finish.
Yesterday proved a different story however, with goals from Ki and Bafetimbi Gomis ensuring the Red Devils left south Wales having suffered a 2-1 defeat, and dropped to fourth in the Premier League table.
Those keen to criticise the 20-time league Champions point to the fact no side has spent more money than them over the past 18 months, which should surely warrant a challenge for another title.
Whilst they also point to the fact a lack of European competition this season should see them fresher than many of their rivals.
Simply, United have not lived up to expectations this season. Here we have identified five players the club are entitled to feel somwhat let down by this season.
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Click on Louis van Gaal to reveal 5 players who have let Manchester United down in 2014-15
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Robin van Persie
Many forwards would be happy with a tally of 11 goals by this point in the season, but that is a disappointing total by the high standards set by Robin van Persie.
More concerning has been the Dutchman’s level of performance, with him appearing anonymous in too many matches this season.
He has failed to strike up any sort of understanding with Radamel Falcao, and has come under fire from a section of United supporters at various points over the season for a percieved lack of work rate.
Now 31-years-of-age, some have questioned whether this Premier League great has his best days behind him.
Radamel Falcao
There was major excitement amongst United supporters following Radamel Falcao’s deadline day move to Old Trafford from Monaco.
But the Colombian has struggled to adapt to English football, with just four Premier League goals to his name so far.
His fitness and level of performance has been a constant issue, which is not something you would expect from a player earning £200k a week.
It seems very unlikely United will be willing to fork out the £40million asking price to make the move permanent at the end of the season.
Angel Di Maria
The Argentine made a superb start to his Manchester United career, but has faded badly in the time since.
Reports continue to suggest he is unsettled in England, whilst performances on the pitch have been underwhelming.
Quite simply, Di Maria hasn’t scored enough goals or provided enough assists to justify his incredible £59.6million price tag.
For that sort of money, United should have expected to sign a Premier League star, rather than someone who has only produced the odd moment of magic.
Chris Smalling
Chris Smalling will quite simply never get a better opportunity to establish himself as a first choice for both club and country than he has been given this season.
With Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand both departing Old Trafford in the summer, and with no like for like replacements brought in, Smalling had the chance to really step up his game and prove his potential.
Instead, Smalling has struggled to earn a regular run of starts in the first team, and has done little if anything to suggest he is the answer for the long term future.
His sending off in the Manchester derby in November was a particular low point, with Louis van Gaal describing his two yellow cards as ‘stupid’ in a match that United were well and truly in up until that point.
Jonny Evans
Just like Smalling, Jonny Evans has been handed a major opportunity this season to make a starting spot his own for years to come.
Form and fitness has once again been an issue for the Northern Irishman, who seems to have really struggled with his new label of United’s ‘most experienced defender.’
Had it not been for the outstanding form of David De Gea, the likes of Smalling and Evans would have come under more scrutiny for their poor displays this season.
It will come as a major shock if van Gaal doesn’t add some top class reinforcements to his defence in the summer.
