At some point on Saturday afternoon, during United’s epic battle with Newcastle, that realisation was reached. The Reds were two down inside 10 minutes, against a side without a single win so far this term. At first, there was confusion and bewilderment. Anger and frustration.
The relationship between fans and footballers can be a strange one. Players will often speak about the need for the crowd to get behind them, but supporters also need something to chew on.
They need a flashpoint, a moment of effort, of sacrifice, of determination, to get them off their seats, loosen their vocal cords and lock their emotions into a contest.