I’ve arrived at Manchester Piccadilly station the day after Manchester United’s dismal finish, in which they conceded a late goal in a draw with Burnley, who are facing relegation. Sixth in the Premier League at the time of writing, with four games remaining, the team is all but out of the Champions League race, although there is still a chance of qualifying for the Europa League.

To overtake Aston Villa and Newcastle is one thing, but to outperform their longstanding rivals Manchester City, who are now on track for an unprecedented fourth consecutive Premier League victory, is another. United are the only other team that has come close to accomplishing this accomplishment in the past.

A stone’s throw from the station exit, one of the north’s most renowned gastronomic destinations is thriving. When asked about yesterday night’s game, a young man behind the counter shrugs and hands me my vegan sausage bun. He describes it as “disappointing”.

Curiously prompted by his brusque response, I ask a similar query further along in an oddly deserted Starbucks. As his colleague slides a mocha my way, one barista exclaims, “The team is good; it’s just poorly managed in my opinion.” I don’t have anything negative to say about the players. I march on, listening to any local spokesperson whose opinions range from managerial criticisms to the impact of a string of negative injuries to the city being ‘blue’ (Man City’s colors).

It quickly becomes evident that, similar to stories from the Haçienda’s heyday, everyone seems to have an opinion about Manchester United. Despite not having won a trophy since 2013, they are the most popular and engaged Premier League team. They have won 20 English league titles in total, 13 of which came under Sir Alex Ferguson, more than any other team. According to my father, one of their top strikers inspired one of my middle names, Cole.

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