And then there was one. Talk of quadruples was always fanciful at Old Trafford, but in the space of a fortnight Manchester United's chances of procuring a trophy this season have, realistically, been modified to a case of European Cup or nothing.

Yesterday could be the first time a club has gone out of two competitions in the space of two hours. Perhaps it was the news from Highbury, 10 minutes before kick-off in Cardiff, that Arsenal had moved eight points clear at the Premiership's summit that explained why United's fans were so subdued compared with Liverpool's.

Certainly by the close of play the galling truth for anyone connected with Old Trafford, not least the club's accountants, is that United face the possibility of two seasons without silverware for the first time since 1987 to 1989, when Alex Ferguson was just a plain Mr, Michael Knighton was doing keepy-ups in front of the Stretford End, and Manchester was Madchester.

"It's a big test for us now," offered Ferguson, his impenetrable stare defying too much probing into the depths of his true feelings. "People can accept defeat and go away quietly or they fight back and react to adversity. The priority is to win a trophy. We've got a big game against Leeds on Wednesday and we're already in the quarter-finals of the Champions League, so there's everything to play for."

That was fighting talk. Writing off Ferguson has always been a fool's pastime and, as he says, this could ultimately be an illuminating season, perhaps culminating in a European Cup final at Old Trafford on May 28th. Yet, surveying the players' expressions as they traipsed from the stadium to their bus, it was impossible to escape the feeling that, right now, they must be consumed by dread.

As Roy Keane said at the weekend: "Winning nothing last year was bad enough. If there is nothing again this season and we haven't done the business for two years then, Jeez, that's unacceptable. I don't even want to think about it."

Ferguson was unwilling to delve into the shortcomings of his players, sparing the likes of Mikael Silvestre any more public degradation, and his analysis of a chastening experience was simple.

"Their goalkeeper has won them the cup," he said. "You have to put up your hands on these occasions and praise the other side. (Jerzy) Dudek has won the match. He deserves his man-of-the-match award."

Of his own players he was less forthcoming. "I thought the first half was very poor but after the interval it became an engaging final. In really tough games, the big matches, it's so important to get the first goal. You saw that when we went out of the FA Cup to Arsenal.

"We did well in the second half but we didn't get a break. Their second goal was a bad mistake by us at the back and Dudek's performance encouraged them to stay near the penalty box."

Ferguson made a point of offering Gerard Houllier a glowing reference at what has been a pivotal stage in the Frenchman's time at Anfield and visited Liverpool's dressing-room to congratulate the manager and his players. "I don't know where this criticism of Gerard has suddenly come from," he said. "It's not deserved, one iota. He's done a tremendous job for that club."

"He shook the hand of every player," said Houllier. "I said to him: 'I wish you all the best in the Champions League.' I really hope he wins it."

Ferguson may be reunited with the silverware he cherishes above all. But the League Cup has gone, contact with the FA Cup was lost two weeks ago and the Premiership seems destined for Highbury.

Ferguson will be loth to admit it but winning a trophy this season is now a possibility rather than a probability.