When any great dynasty falls, it tends to happen spectacularly.

I’m sure Manchester United fans won’t agree with me, who you get the feeling impending doom is heading Old Trafford’s way.

Clubs at that level can spend millions and millions on top players and United are one of those who have the bank balance to do it.

But what we saw from United against MK Dons in the Capital One Cup – when the fringe and support players got their chance to take over and hold the reins – was nothing short of shameful.

To lose 4-0 for a squad of that quality was exactly that, shameful.

Van Gaal has turned up with everyone expecting him to wave a magic wand, when the reality is he is working with the same group of average players who were there last year – with one or two exceptions.

They are minus two of the best players in the history of the club in Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs.

Scholes has said pretty much nothing for the past 20 years as a player, but now he has become a TV pundit it’s fascinating to hear him.

It’s great for us fans who love his honest analysis, similar to that provided by his former teammate Gary Neville.

His assessment when he was still in the team at 38 that he never felt threatened for his place by anyone coming through is very telling.

He knew there was a massive problem at the club.

United would probably point to City and Chelsea as their major rivals for the title, but those two clubs have gradually been building up the strength and quality of their squads over the last three or four years, not only with significant leadership but also with the flair needed to win games.

United have spent £100m on Juan Mata and Angel Di Maria but they seem to have ignored their defensive frailties, after losing Nemanja Vidic, Rio Ferdinand and Patrice Evra.

Luke Shaw, I am sure, will prove a good purchase in time, but no way is he the finished product at his age so United fans should not expect miracles.

Marcos Rojo, too, I’m sure is a good player, but I don’t see him being a leader and captain for United over the next five to 10 years.

That’s what the United team is sadly lacking at the moment.

I will be coming over to watch Town play Middlesbrough next month and I am very much looking forward to it.

I will be speaking to fans down at PPG Canalside before the match and then watching the game as a guest of the club, which is nice.

Let’s hope, by then, Town are making solid strides under their new manager, although I think the club are absolutely right to take their time over the appointment at this time of year.