He may have publicly insisted that last night's 4-0 humiliation at the hands of League One side MK Dons did not shock him, but Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal is bound to have been bitterly disappointed with his side's display.
While there was a number of youngsters within the starting lineup, there were also five full internationals, all with Champions League experience.
It has since been reported that Van Gaal will now look to move on a number of those that were on show before next Monday's transfer deadline and with that in mind, Sports Mole has picked out which players should stay at Old Trafford and who should be sold.
David de Gea
It was something of a surprise that the Spaniard was made to take the trip to Milton Keynes in the first place. He was badly let down by those in front of him and could do little about the four goals. Even so, the 23-year-old is easily one of the Premier League's best goalkeepers.
Verdict: Keep
Michael Keane
Van Gaal admitted during the pre-season tour of the USA that Keane was not ready for a regular place in the first team and it showed. The England Under-21 international is nowhere near comfortable enough in possession to play in a back three.
Verdict: Sell/Loan
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Jonny Evans
Given the captaincy, Evans was expected to lead by example. He was arguably the worst defender on show, though, as he made a big error for the first goal, as well as putting in a lame tackle that resulted in the fourth. Nevertheless, United have few other senior defensive options.
Verdict: Keep
Marnick Vermijl
Reports had suggested that Sheffield Wednesday were interested in the Belgian, but they may have changed their mind after this performance.
Verdict: Sell
Saidy Janko
The young Swiss player had earned rave reviews following his outings for the development side last term, but he struggled to adapt in his first match with the senior side. Still, having only played 45 minutes, it was hard to judge. He may well benefit from gaining regular action elsewhere.
Verdict: Loan
Reece James
James impressed Van Gaal during the club's pre-season tour, but this was his first involvement since the start of the new campaign. It may sound harsh to write him off so early, but the 20-year-old doesn't appear to be good enough to make the grade.
Verdict: Sell
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Anderson
Quite how the Brazilian remains a United player is baffling. He did look leaner than in years gone by, but that didn't help his performance. A career that promised so much when he arrived in 2007 has become a subject of ridicule among even United supporters.
Verdict: Sell
Nick Powell
Touted as a replacement for Paul Scholes when he joined United in 2012, Powell has never really been given the opportunity to show his quality. He was confident enough to shoot from distance last night, but perhaps didn't have enough of an impact on proceedings.
Verdict: Sell/Loan
Shinji Kagawa
The fact that he had to come off in the first half with concussion pretty much summed up his United career - disappointing. There is no doubting that the Japanese playmaker has plenty of ability, but with Angel di Maria arriving, his chances look even more limited. Played in his natural position, Kagawa may well excel elsewhere.
Verdict: Sell
Danny Welbeck
The England international may not score the number of goals expected of a United striker, but there are a number of other players in the squad that should be moved on before him. His pace alone is a quality that United are lacking in the final third and he was arguably United's liveliest player last night.
Verdict: Keep
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Javier Hernandez
While he may be one of the best finishers in the Premier League, Hernandez's all-round ability often lets him down at crucial moments. The Mexican has cut a frustrated figure for some time and like Kagawa, could thrive in a new environment.
Verdict: Sell
Substitutes
Adnan Januzaj
He may not have covered himself in glory having replaced Kagawa, but the Belgian is one of the most exciting players to have come through the youth system at Old Trafford for some time. The 19-year-old would benefit from being given a regular place in the side.
Verdict: Keep
Andreas Pereira
At the age of 18, Pereira came off the bench and gave a good account of himself. The midfielder was always positive and while his passes didn't always come off, his confidence for someone so young was striking.
Verdict: Keep/Loan
James Wilson
Many felt that Wilson would start the encounter and he showed why he perhaps should have done when he was introduced as a second-half substitute. Having been untested before Wilson came on, MK Dons goalkeeper David Martin was forced into making two great saves from the teenager, who will be knocking on the first team door shortly.
Verdict: Keep