Just over 12 months ago Manchester United, the Manchester United, lost 3-0 at home to Bournemouth. Had it not been for a ludicrous VAR decision, it would have been 4-0.
Through the dark winter Manchester afternoon, flecks of green and gold could be seen among the 70,000 home fans who – as they always do – filled Old Trafford. The colours of founders Newton Heath, worn in protest at the most unpopular owners in football.
Throughout yet another reminder of how far one of the giants had fallen (they had already lost at home to Brighton and Crystal Palace) chants against the despised Americans were frequent.