Since Sir Alex Ferguson won his first trophy with United, 21 years ago, he has gone just three seasons without winning something, and never in consecutive seasons.

Our opponents today, Arsenal, last won a trophy in 2005, with sections of their fan base now turning at their manager, who stubbornly seems to get about his business without spending, despite the board repeatedly claiming there is money available.

Our manager has today claimed we would never get away with going on such a barren run.

“I would not have allowed it to happen,” Ferguson said. “The press would have played their part and you expect that, but I could not have contemplated these things.”