IT has felt like a gruelling season for United and that's because it has been.
Their weekend trip to West Ham came just two days after the trip to Brighton, with the Reds defeated just as much as they were depleted at the London Stadium.
It's easy to pick apart players and criticise them for back-to-back defeats that have thrown the topfour race wide open, but United's biggest issue is one that has been unavoidable.
The Reds started well against both Brighton and West Ham, creating a number of good chances, but tailed off in the later stages, having become drained of ideas and energy.
This is a team that is running on empty and burning out at a time when it matters most. It is perhaps no surprise either, given the demands of a season like no other.
United have already played 57 matches this season and will have played 62 by the time the campaign finally comes to an end. Liverpool will play 52 games this season, Newcastle 46, and Arsenal 49.
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