That feeling is in the air again, isn’t it, Manchester United fans?

It exuded its unwelcome stench under David Moyes after that 2-0 defeat at Everton in 2014. There was even a sense of inevitability after Louis van Gaal lifted the FA Cup two years later.

You could see Jose Mourinho’s 2018 sacking from pre-season, and the writing was on the wall for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in 2021 after 5-0 and 2-0 home defeats to Liverpool and Manchester City, respectively.

Fast forward three years, and it feels like United are in an even bigger mess.

Erik ten Hag’s side haven’t won a football match since 17 September. In fact, they’ve only recorded three victories in 11 outings all season – against Fulham, Southampton and Barnsley.

Amid a five-game winless run, a change in the tides has, regrettably, occurred in my defiant, hopeful backing of the Dutchman.

The opportunity to build on two major trophies in as many years received a thumbs up from me. Perhaps I was still riding the euphoria of FA Cup glory – a lifelong memory at Wembley.

But United? Worsening. All optimism? Evaporated. The 20-time English champions are 14th after seven games, winning just twice and only scoring five goals.

Three of those strikes came at Southampton, the only team to have scored fewer than United. That trip to St. Mary’s also conjured three of the Red Devils’ eight points – a new low at this stage.

As mentioned, the writing was on the wall for Solskjaer three years ago, but he was allowed to stay put during the November international break. United then fell 4-1 at Watford – his swan song.

Ineos can’t afford to delay the inevitable this week while the club drifts further into the void. One more ruthless decision is required.

Find more from Alex Turk at Stretford Paddock