Following Manchester United's 3-0 drubbing at the hands of Tottenham, it can be easy to feel that their season is destined for failure. And sure, they do have a manager who appears to be going through a mid-life crisis and a squad who appear to be world class for their national sides, but Sky Bet Championship class when playing for United.
However, there are cases where a terrible start has later blossomed into league titles and European cups. Here are some of the most notable examples of when sides have had bad starts but great seasons.
1. Nottingham Forest 1978/79
Prior to the 1978/79 season, Brian Clough's Nottingham Forest side had won their first ever First Division title, a season after gaining promotion.
However, in August 1978, Clough's 'bionic bubble' appeared to have burst. Forest won just one of their first seven league matches and were expected to slide into mid-table.
Forest finished second, unable to catch Bob Paisley's great Liverpool side. However, Forest went on to win the League Cup and a historic European Cup, defeating Swedish champions Malmo in the final.
2. Manchester United 1992/93
The Red Devils had finished just four points from ending a 25 year wait for the First Division title the season before, but were pipped to the post at the end of the season by rivals Leeds United.
Come the start of the 1992/93 season, United had not bounced back, losing their first two games of the season before drawing the third to sit on just one point after their first three matches.
However, given time, Sir Alex Ferguson turned the club's fortunes around and United went on to win the inaugural Premier League.
3. Manchester United 1998/99
Manchester United again this time, in their greatest ever season. Stars such as David Beckham, Gary Neville, Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs were all reaching the peak of their powers, as well as having the experience of Peter Schmeichel and Jaap Stam at the back.
However, things didn't start well for the Old Trafford side, not recording a win until their third game - whilst in the Champions League, they scrapped through the group stage, winning just two matches in the first stage of the competition.
Despite a tricky start, United went on to win the Premier League, Champions League and the FA Cup, in one of football's greatest ever campaigns.
4. Barcelona 2008/09
Pep Guardiola's Barcelona side revolutionised football, introducing the world to tiki-taka football. Not only did they play good football, but they also won trophies, winning La Liga, the Copa Del Rey and the Champions League in the 2008/09.
However, this historic season started disastrously for the Catalans. Barca lost 1-0 to La Liga minnows Numancia, a side who had just been promoted from the Segunda Division and were subsequently relegated to the second tier, never to return. Barca bounced back though, and didn't lose again until February.
5. Tottenham 2015/16
The 2014/15 season was an underwhelming one for Tottenham under new boss Mauricio Pochettino. Another finish outside of the top four and another season without a trophy.
2015/16 looked like it was going to be more of the same, after a disappointing start which saw Spurs fail to win in their first four Premier League matches.
However, given time, Pochettino turned the club's fortunes around and thanks to the exploits of Dele Alli and Harry Kane, led Spurs to third place, their highest finish since 1990.
6. Juventus 2015/16
Serie A defending champions Juventus had a disastrous start to the 2015/16 season, losing their first two league matches of the season, and it took them until the end of October to break into the top half.
Despite this disappointing start, Juventus went on to win the Scudetto by ten points; also winning the Coppa Italia. A truly great season despite a dreadful start.