5 Truths: This is the same Jose Mourinho who almost relegated Chelsea

Imagine the backlash if David Moyes or Louis van Gaal had overseen the mess at Feyenoord? The manager’s office at Old Trafford has had a revolving door in recent times, but the performances continue to disappoint. Anyone can lose an away match in Europe, sure, yet the manner of United’s European defeats in the post-Fergie era are somewhat alarming. This was the perfect platform for Paul Pogba to flourish with a solid midfield base behind him; the perfect platform for Marcus Rashford to stake his claim for a starting role. Neither emerged with credibility. United’s malaise goes on.

[REPORT: Manchester United dismal in Feyenoord defeat]

Don’t forget. This is the same Jose Mourinho who almost relegated Chelsea. The Portuguese can hide behind the three-year cycle myth (the typical length of his managerial ventures) but he still has much to prove in his debut season at Old Trafford after his previous meltdown. You can't dismantle the Premier League champions – a collapse that is still yet to be fully explained – then expect to have an easy ride in your next job.

He is still to chalk up a meaningful victory and instil an attacking brand of football to appease the fans, with the derby defeat to Manchester City sandwiched between lacklustre displays against Hull City and Feyenoord. How long before the #JoseOut wagon rumbles into town?

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United fans across the globe collectively crossed their fingers. Could Paul Pogba lay down a serious performance in attacking midfield and remove Wayne Rooney from the teamsheet forever? The answer was a resounding no. How can you drop Rooney after that shambles? For all the captain’s flaws, he was not part of the most resounding failure to date. Expect Rooney to be restored and the angst to spread into autumn.

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Charlie Austin is the key to Southampton's hopes of climbing the Premier League table and progression in the Europa League. The striker has had an injury-ravaged time since joining from QPR in January but providing he can stay fit, he has the quality in front of goal to be the Saints' saviour. It is a similar story for Jay Rodriguez who is working his way back to his peak after a long-term injury. But Austin showed against Sparta Prague he is the man Claude Puel can rely on to find the back of the net.

[REPORT: Austin at the double as Southampton beat Sparta Prague]

The Europa League served up some late drama across the continent. While Dundalk and Fenerbahce struck late to salvage draws, Zenit went one better, recovering from 3-0 down after 75 minutes to win 4-3. The Russian outfit had just three shots on target before the 75-minute mark, but went on to complete the mightiest of comebacks against Maccabi Tel Aviv when Luka Djordjevic struck in injury time.

Following the fuss of two Champions League nights, the Europa League often arrives as an afterthought. However, the seven-goal thriller in Israel proved that Europe’s secondary competition has plenty to offer before the Champions League’s sloppy thirds come to the party in the New Year.

[ROUND-UP: Zenit stage stunning comeback, Dundalk steal point]