I arrived at Manchester Piccadilly station the day after Manchester United’s disappointing end, in which they conceded a late goal in a tie with Burnley, who are facing relegation. Sixth in the Premier League at the time of writing, with four games remaining, the squad is effectively out of the Champions League race, however there is still a chance of qualifying for the Europa League. Overtaking Aston Villa and Newcastle is one thing; outperforming their long-time rivals Manchester City, who are now on track for an incredible fourth consecutive Premier League triumph, is another. United are the only other team that have come close to achieving this feat in the past.Nike DAZED0274 0

One of the north’s most known gastronomic attractions is thriving within a short walk from the station exit. When asked about last night’s game, the young man behind the counter shrugs and delivers me my vegan banger roll. He refers to it as “disappointing”. Curious about his abrupt response, I pose a similar question further down at an eerily deserted Starbucks. As his colleague serves me a mocha, one barista screams, “The team is good; it’s just poorly managed in my opinion.” I have nothing negative to say about the players.

 I march on, listening to any local speaker whose views range from managerial critiques to the impact of a string of negative injuries on the city’s ‘blue’ (Man City’s colours). It quickly becomes clear that, like stories from the Haçienda’s heyday, everyone has an opinion about Manchester United. Despite not winning a trophy since 2013, they remain the most popular and engaged Premier League team. They have won 20 English league titles in total, 13 of them under Sir Alex Ferguson, more than any other team. According to my father, one of their best attackers inspired one of my middle names, Cole.Kobbie Mainoo 1

After a warm northern welcome and a strong declaration of his allegiance to the Red Devils, he lists off his favourite players in a tone that makes you wonder if you’re crazy for asking. There’s Anthony Martial, a 28-year-old attacker who has remained calm, collected, and quick during his nine-year tenure with the side. Bruno Fernandes, a 29-year-old midfielder, is as creative as he is skillful on the ball, having made 230 appearances and scored 79 goals in four years with the club.

 Then there’s Marcus Rashford, a former Dazed cover star and Manchester United fan who has been praised by the media for both his on-field achievements (131 goals in 399 games) and his off-field activism. Then comes the curveball. A player with only one year of senior team experience. Despite just making 30 appearances and scoring three goals, he expressed his satisfaction. “Kobbie, Mainoo.” I mean, [Kobbie] is great. “He’s an incredible player,” he admits. “But you don’t want to put too much pressure on him.”Nike_DAZED0460 2.