Manchester United’s players were upbeat about the prospect of clinching the title ahead Arsenal and Manchester City before their Liverpool match.
However, the 7-0 annihilation by Liverpool on Sunday handed them a reality check and jolted them out of their reverie.
The Red Devils only conceded once in the first half, but allowed six goals after the break as Jurgen Klopp’s men went on rampage at Anfield.
It was a shocking result for United who came into the game with good form and high in confidence.
Erik ten Hag’s men had defeated Newcastle 2-0 the previous week to lift the Carabao Cup – their first piece of silverware for six years.
The Daily Mail reports that, on their squad WhatsApp chat, the players spoke about catching up with City and Arsenal, who have set the pace for much of the season.
Optimism had been growing but the heavy loss on Merseyside all but shattered any slim hopes they had of challenging for the title.