As the half-hearted boos from Manchester United fans subsided and the sun shone on one corner of Old Trafford where Watford’s supporters were celebrating an unlikely point, two men became locked in conversation in the directors’ box.
Richard Arnold, United’s new chief executive, and his football director John Murtough will be at the forefront of a rebuilding programme at England’s biggest club this summer.
Whether United can secure fourth place and Champions League football next season or not — and this result did them absolutely no favours in that regard — change is afoot.