For some it was a classic win or bust scenario. Others felt Louis Van Gaal's time as Manchester United manager was up before a ball was even kicked against Chelsea.
It depends which “in the know” journalist you read over your morning cornflakes, but regardless of the result the Dutch boss will have realised he needed a monumental shift to persuade the masses that he has a long-term future at Old Trafford.
It may still transpire that a tenure criticised for a lack of adventure could yet conclude with a frustrating goalless draw, despite an improved performance against the reigning champions who have their own major problems.
Whether a more attacking-minded display inspires a stay of execution from those presiding over the managerial guillotine remains to be seen, but it is highly likely the former Netherlands coach is on borrowed time even if he bullishly declared that he won't resign following this result. Indeed, LVG's tune had changed in his post-Chelsea press conference, claiming his comments after the Stoke defeat were taken out of context and that the press were writing lies about him. Significantly, he stopped short of saying he would definitely remain as Manchester United boss, admitting his point of view is not necessarily the right one.
We've been here before with under-fire managers. To use an old cliche associated with a struggling boss, he appears to be a “dead man walking”. It seems he has tried everything, from crisis talks with Ed Woodward to placating player unrest by the relaxation of his once tried and tested methods.
Nothing has worked thus far and this draw with a toothless Chelsea is not exactly the vast improvement some would have you believe.
The turgid, possession-based approach which has left spectators inside Old Trafford twitching in agitation for months seemed to have finally been abandoned for what was billed as his final hurrah in the dugout. United hit the post and crossbar in the first half as they displayed a zip in attack that has been all-too absent under LVG. They took risks and the forward players tried to express themselves, but they couldn't find a way through. Even if United had, anything other than a goal-fest would still have probably been seen as too little, too late for LVG's his detractors.
The defeat at Stoke was United's first on Boxing Day in 13 years and they have now gone eight matches without a victory. The last time they endured such a run was when Alex Ferguson came close to the chop back in 1989-90. Van Gaal could cling to the hope he could emulate Ferguson and turn it around, but surely he would be fooling himself?The David Moyes era was blighted by statistics that saw his United claim unwanted records, but even the former Everton boss had amassed more points by Boxing Day 2013 and, rather notably, he didn't get the opportunity to complete his ill-fated campaign at the helm.
A glance up from his seat on the Old Trafford bench has always offered a constant reminder of Fergusons's legacy, not just in the frame of the stand named after him but in the banners that adorn it. “The impossible dream... made possible”.
The Scot endured a tough start at Manchester United before going on to create a dynasty that resulted in an incredible 27-year trophy haul - but that was in a different era under a one-of-a-kind figurehead. Modern-day management is much more business-orientated and time is a commodity not even a club like United will now afford.
Just four wins in 16 matches spreading over three months prior to the visit of Chelsea brought with it a very Moyes-esque stat as LVG had overseen four defeats on the spin for United - the first time that had happened since 1961. Throw in a first home loss against Norwich in 26 years and it doesn't make for good reading.
The problem, of course, is far greater than a sequence of bad results; they merely serve to exemplify the issue. It stems from a rot that has developed from within the very core of LVG's philosophy and process. Until recently results were not that bad. The Red Devils were top of the league earlier in the season and are still just five points off the Champions League places.
But the issues go deeper than just an alarming drop off in form. The whispers of player discontent and a malaise amongst fans is hard to remedy once it has started. Over the past 18 months swarms of supporters have slowly slumped into a state of disillusionment and indifference brought about by a style lacking any attacking verve. The fact there were some Jose Mourinho Manchester United scarves on sale outside the ground prior to kick off said much about what some fans are thinking, even if others greeted them with disgust.
The players have been regimented, lacking the confidence to break rank and take risks in the attacking third. It has led to clear exasperation with the general consensus that LVG and Manchester United is a jarring clash of styles rather than a wholesome marriage and slowly but surely the emerging feeling is for one of change.
An example of how a switch in manager can breathe life into a club is Jurgen Klopp's appointment at Liverpool. It's a comparison that possibly wouldn't sit well with United fans, but look at the impact “Kloppmania” has had down the M62 at their great rivals. Statistically, Brendan Rodgers' Premier League record this season is quite similar to Klopp's, but since the German's arrival there has been a distinct change in the air. Many Kopites had all-but written off the season in October, but now they are optimistic and the players have a spring in their step. The point is that if both players and supporters have lost faith in the manager's vision, there is usually only one outcome.Juan Mata used his blog and Bastian Schweinsteiger took to Twitter on the morning of the game to spread the message of unity and togetherness, but it was perhaps Michael Carrick's comments that were more telling. His interview following the Stoke loss saw the midfielder respond to suggestions the players aren't trying under Van Gaal. He claimed it was disrespectful to him and his team-mates - but he didn't exactly provide a heartfelt defence of the Dutchman either.
Mourinho's Chelsea exit has seen the Portuguese heavily tipped to take the United hot-seat and it would not be surprising if overtures have already been made for his services. Perhaps if the Red Devils' opponents hadn't been his old flame, Chelsea, in their final match of 2015, Mourinho would already be in place...
The self-styled 'Special One' is currently on holiday in Brazil and it would not be remiss to suggest he wouldn't want to deal with the extra baggage of a first match in charge against his former employers.
Mourinho was linked with United when Ferguson retired and it has been claimed he was disappointed to be overlooked despite stating a return to Chelsea was his only desire. If some reports are to be believed, it seems he may finally get that wish, although his playing style is still far removed from the swashbuckling attacking philosophy United supporters crave.
Whatever the timing of Van Gaal's likely departure, it is clear that whoever takes over faces a huge job. It may even be the hardest role in English football right now. The shadow of Ferguson's success still looms large and results must be achieved with a certain swagger.
After so many years of continuity United are now in danger of becoming regular passengers on the managerial merry-go-round and the hierarchy's next decision, whether it's to stick or twist, could well define their path for the foreseeable future.
