But when they have greater resources than almost any other team in the world, fielding some of the most expensive players ever, I would expect more than a style of football popularised by Tony Pulis at Stoke City.
Big players to bully defenders, long balls and dirty tactics from the likes of Paul Pogba, all combined to support a TalkSport listeners comment that Manchester United are no more than a 'rich man's West Brom’.
Arsenal fans must not despair. Glimmers of hope were clearly visible on Saturday evening. There is a visible improvement from last season and, although Manchester City are out of sight, the gap is widening between us and our north London rivals, and a serious top four challenge seems inevitable.
If this kind of fervour can be preserved for the months to come, fans can look forward to an exciting Christmas period followed by a tense end to the season.