Sir Alex Ferguson will send Wayne Rooney for a scan later this week to discover whether his worst fears are about to come true.
Only two weeks ago, Ferguson brusquely dismissed a question about what he would do if Rooney got injured, insinuating the inquisitor was trying to put a curse on Manchester United's season.
Yet the sight of Rooney leaving the Allianz Arena on crutches last night, wearing a protective boot around his right ankle, suggested the question showed remarkable foresight.
Ferguson was giving little away immediately after United's 2-1 defeat to Bayern Munich.
But whispers of a twisted ankle did circle the Red Devils camp, which if correct, would condemn the 24-year-old to a period on the sidelines which could extend beyond a month.
"He has obviously hurt his ankle," said Ferguson.
"It is too early to say. I don't think it's terribly serious, but we'll wait and see."
As United had decided to remain in Germany overnight before returning to Manchester, scans may end up being delayed until tomorrow.
But it would be a major surprise if Rooney was fit for Saturday's crucial Premier League showdown with title rivals Chelsea, or the return against Bayern at Old Trafford next Wednesday.
Without the player who scored his 34th goal of the season when he finished off Nani's cross after just 64 seconds, United's chances will be severely diminished.
Not that they will be that great in the Champions League in any case if they can do no better than they managed last night.
Only the wasteful finishing of Hamit Altintop and Ivica Olic prevented Bayern from drawing level by the break.
Instead, it took a needless handball by United skipper Gary Neville to offer Bayern a lifeline 14 minutes from time.
Man-of-the-match Edwin van der Sar appeared to have Franck Ribery's free-kick covered.
But when it ricocheted off Rooney, the veteran Dutchman was helpless as the ball flew into the opposite corner.
The goal put paid to United's hopes of becoming only the second English team to beat Bayern on their own ground, and ended a six-match winning streak away from home.
Yet little were they aware the worst was still to come.
After Nemanja Vidic had thudded a header against the bar, Gomez emerged with the ball from his fateful tackle with Rooney.
As Rooney lay on the ground in obvious pain, Gomez raced away.
By the time Olic took the ball into the United box, Patrice Evra had got himself into a tangle. The Croat raced on and calmly beat Van der Sar, without whom Ferguson admitted the damage would have been far worse.
"Edwin saved us time and time again," he said.
"He made so many fantastic saves and kept us in the game.
"Yes, we had some chances but Edwin kept us in the game.
"It wasn't a good goal to lose but the second leg is at home and I believe we have a strong chance."