Tell them where to toss that statistic regarding Manchester United’s worst start to a season since 1989 the next time they bring it up.

Those who claim this is their worst opening in 34 years are mistaken. It’s not.

Erik ten Hag’s side fell to an embarrassing defeat to GalatasarayCredit: EPAManchester United have had their worst start to a season for 34 yearsCredit: EPA5Casemiro was sent off late on in the 3-2 defeatCredit: Getty

This one is far worse… it’s just that the sheer numbers alone don’t tell the whole story.

Back then, United fans had very different expectations than they do now. Maybe there would have been a good Cup run back then.

Given a kind draw or two, perhaps even silverware. Plus the regular victory over Liverpool, which they always seemed to achieve.

Despite their best efforts, no one anticipated there would be much more to celebrate in May.

Nothing like what we have today. But it didn’t seem to matter all that much. Not like this. For several causes.

To begin with, regardless of the outcome, you were promised entertainment from a team that cared.

Players who appeared defeated hurt them just as much as anyone else on the United Road Paddock.

But it was also because supporters believed the team was on the right track. Perhaps only in baby steps, but they are in the correct direction.

Despite everything Sir Alex Ferguson would eventually amass, not everyone was persuaded he was the appropriate guy to steer the ship.

Nonetheless, they were constructing and fortifying, and things were improving year after year.

The golden trinity of Gary Pallister, Paul Ince, and Neil Webb arrived to Old Trafford in the summer of 1989.

England’s greatest ball-playing center back, grittiest midfielder (second only to new teammate Bryan Robson), and possibly the division’s silkiest passer. Danny Wallace, a speedster, was quickly added as well.

It wasn’t about who they passed over or never pursued, such as Harry Kane and Declan Rice. 

Even though there were usually more troughs than peaks, fans believed things would change, and things would get better in the end.

They lacked recent title-winning memories to persuade them that their club, for whatever reason, deserved more.

Man Utd stars have continued to flop this seasonCredit: GettyAndre Onana made a huge error before Casemiro’s sending offCredit: Reuters

Expectations didn’t exceed the achievable.

Not like today’s Reds. It’s been a decade since they last raised the title flag here, but they haven’t been relegated or spent years flirting with the bottom.

This generation of United players includes World Cup winners, former European champions, national captains, and national legends.

It was all about Bruce and Pallister, Keane and Robbo, Hughes and McClair back then. Those who cared whether they won, lost, or tied.

Who would fight? They may succumb, but not without a battle.

This bunch? Move on after apologizing on social media. Next week, force fed another load of nonsense about how they’ll get it right.

Rafa Varane deserves credit for maintaining a straight face while stating his squad may be the greatest in Europe.

They are, in fact, the worst squad in Group A.

Gutless, hopeless, and becoming increasingly bloodthirsty hopeless.