The “fragile” Manchester United is preparing for the fewest number of matches in a season since 1914-15

Life moves fast at Manchester United.

When Brighton last visited Old Trafford 11 weeks ago, a third successive win appeared to be a clear sign of a converted corner under Ruben Amorim.

Wind forward to the present day.

Gray clouds covered Old Trafford and rain fell during the match that the team lost to Brighton in the third round of the FA Cup on Sunday. It was an apt metaphor.

Amorim departed, and United fell at the first hurdle in both domestic cup competitions for the first time since 1981-82. They were condemned to a 40-game season, the fewest they had played since 1914-1915.

The world’s oldest person, Ethel Caterham, at 116, was five at the time, so she may not remember it.

After a two-game trip to Asia at the end of last season to plug a financial gap, a mid-season trip to Saudi Arabia is now looking more likely – as there is a 10-day window in United’s season in February and March, given that the FA Cup fourth and fifth round weekends are empty for them.

Before that, United will host Manchester City next Saturday in the absence of a coach to raise his “fragile” confidence.

They have managed just one win in seven games, a fortunate victory against Newcastle on 26 December.

Out of 13 matches since Brighton’s previous visit, they have achieved three victories.

While their current position of seventh in the Premier League is not disastrous, if results go well against Manchester City and Arsenal, they could be in the bottom half of the table by the time they host Fulham on February 1, when the 1958 Supporters Group plan a massive demonstration against the monarchy.