Manchester United were beaten by cross-town rival Manchester City 6-1 at Old Trafford on Sunday, and in the process revealing that the Red Devils have some major problems to correct.
First of all, United is rarely beaten at Old Trafford, and to be dominated 6-1 by your hated rivals with first place atop the Premier League table on the line should concern manager Sir Alex Ferguson.
The fact that United is allowing late goals is another problem. Last season United drew and even lost games when they conceded goals late in games when it appeared they had three points wrapped up.
Against City on Sunday, United gave up three goals in the final three minutes, two scored by Edin Dzeko and one by David Silva.
On the day, United had two instances in which they gave up at least two goals in a 10-minute span. With all the veteran players Ferguson has, and all the experience at his disposal, even amongst the younger players, allowing multiple goals in short periods of time is not what he's used to seeing, and is unacceptable.
His players know how to respond after being scored on, but City just wanted this game more.
Not only did United lose points and suffer on the goal difference stat, they are headed in a direction very much unlike the manner in which they started this season.
United came out flying at the start of the Premier League season, including an 8-2 win over Arsenal at Old Trafford early in the year.
During the last few weeks however they have looked poor, and not just in the league, in the UEFA Champions League as well.
Not only are they having trouble against Premier League teams, United can barely beat some poor European sides.
Starting with the Stoke City match on September 24, United has one win, one loss, and two draws in its last four Premier League games. Their one win against Norwich wasn't too impressive either.
Luckily for the Red Devils they don't play another top Premier League opponent for a while, but there are major issues that need to be sorted out quickly.
United can't be losing at home, especially to inferior teams (not that City is an inferior team). They cannot be allowing goals in the final minutes of games, and they have to respond better when teams hit them with a goal or two.
Ferguson has to be worried with his squad right now, because this kind of loss to a rival can really demoralize a team, and not all of his players have won trophies with United.
Goalkeeper David De Gea, winger Ashley Young, and defender Phil Jones are among the starting players who have not had a major impact on United's recent trophy successes the past few seasons.
It will be interesting to see how they respond to this kind of adversity, especially De Gea, who has been criticized often this season.
Manchester United is still in second place in the Premier League table, but can be overtaken if Chelsea beats QPR on Sunday.
United are still firmly in the title race, but the defending champions need to sort out their multitude of issues if they are to repeat as league champs.
Nicholas Goss is a Featured Columnist at Bleacher Report. Follow him on Twitter for the latest sports news and updates. Follow @NicholasGoss35
