The Stretford End was awash with green and gold balloons – colours which are a nod to the club’s past and a rejection of the current leadership – prior to kick-off as fans unfurled a new banner which read: “We don’t want a new stadium, we want the owners out”.

A proposed walkout of supporters in the 21st minute – intended to mark 21 years since the Glazer family’s leveraged buyout – came to nothing but many fans had already made their views clear.

The United players emerged from the tunnel in front of the protest as the fans chanted against both the Glazer family and minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

They also made clear their opposition to plans for a new stadium which would replace Old Trafford – with many supporters angry that money has been spent on buying up land for the project rather than being invested in the squad.

Several fans groups had called on supporters to make their voices heard during the match, protesting against a decline in standards and a perceived attack on traditional fan culture.