Instead, they limped over the line, just about holding off Villarreal to claim top spot. They topped Group F with 11 points from a possible 18, which, at a glance, did not look all that bad.
However, they made it hard for themselves, having to come from behind against both Villarreal and Atalanta at home to scoop maximum points. Cristiano Ronaldo scored winners in both games, sealing 2-1 and 3-2 victories respectively.
United's other two home games in the Champions League in 2021/22 saw them draw 1-1 with BSC Young Boys in their final group game and lose 1-0 to Atletico Madrid in the second leg of their last-16 showdown. It was uninspiring to say the least.
But since the famous Champions League theme tune last filled the Old Trafford air, United have been on the comeback trail under Erik ten Hag. Though the Dutchman has encountered his fair share of difficulties over the past 12 months or so, there is still a general acceptance that the club, albeit slowly, is moving in the right direction again.
Following Saturday's 1-0 home defeat to Crystal Palace, however, United are under enormous pressure to secure a positive result against Galatasaray in their second group game of the season this evening.
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