Pre-match scenes before Manchester United lost to Arsenal suggest their decision is coming

Sir Dave Brailsford was sat in the directors' box before kick-off, engaged in a lengthy phone call. The conversation with Erik ten Hag should not take as long.

It is now 14 Premier League defeats this season and 19 overall. Manchester United are still eighth in the Premier League table, with a -4 goal difference and their worst defensive record since 1978-79. The midweek fixtures could confirm what would be their lowest finish since 1990.

Ten Hag can be grateful that this defeat was soundtracked to an atmosphere bordering on the carnival. The Premier League season is so inconsequential to United's followers that they are warming up for the FA Cup final a week on Saturday.

The elements were so biblical as full-time loomed the porous roof of the infamous Sir Bobby Charlton Stand will require reinforcing. Vitriol did not rain down on the United manager and players amid a respectable performance.

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There was an early rendition of, 'Oh United, we love you,' as if to reassure Ten Hag there would not be mutiny in the penultimate home fixture of the season. The airing of 'Spirit In The Sky' from the singing section just before the hour initially sounded like a song for United fans to drown their sorrows. It was rousing enough to contribute to a genuine opening that Alejandro Garnacho botched.

In one of his more productive roles at the club, Antony was an enthusiastic cheerleader, geeing up the tireless Garnacho on his 35th successive start. United fans defiantly chanted, "We'll never die," long before full-time. Ten Hag has their support - for 13 more days, at least.

Some still vented over the risk-aversive backward and