The next Manchester United manager must fix Old Trafford problem for players

The bond between Manchester United fans and their team has been stretched to breaking point this season and one of the many jobs of the next man to inherit what is beginning to look like the impossible job is to try and fix that.

Maybe it’s the disappointment that a season that seemed to offer so much has actually turned into an unmitigated disaster, but there’s certainly a sense that the patience of match goers has worn thin as this campaign has gone on.

As this tepid draw with Leicester City turned into another tough watch the frustration in the stands was palpable, boiling over when the Foxes took the lead in the second half and one fan near the dugout decided he'd had enough, launching a verbal grenade towards the bench.

READ MORE: United ratings vs Leicester City

Whether it was aimed at Darren Fletcher, or whether it was Fletcher that took it personally isn't clear, but the former United midfielder gave as good as he got, although the supporter wasn't put off. He refused to let it lie and was eventually kicked out.

The anger was etched all over the confrontation - from both sides - and as the fan departed he seemed to get some support from those near him. United have waved the white flag on their season and for these supporters who are into the ninth year of mediocrity, it's just becoming too much.

The afternoon had begun with impressive backing for captain Harry Maguire after his treatment from England's fans in midweek. After 18 days without a game there was a freshness around returning to Old Trafford and as Ralf Rangnick had written in his programme notes that break could act as a "reset" to attack the remainder of the season.

It didn't take long to be reminded of why going to the match has been a pretty arduous