Last season, when Liverpool scored five goals against Man United at Old Trafford in the first half, near the break, the television camera filmed thousands of people leaving the stadium, most of them "Red Devils" fans. Similarly in the Manchester Derby last weekend, when the score was 4-0, many Man United fans also tried to leave the Etihad early.
A quick interview by The Athletic with fans leaving the stadium early last Sunday showed that many people had predicted that result, but they were still determined to stay a little longer.
A fan said that as soon as M.U conceded a second goal in such an easy way, he left the Etihad stands. According to this person, the team he loves has not played with any desire or effort, just like the situation in the final stages of Ole Solskjaer's leadership. He said that while going down the stairs to leave the field, Man City continued to score the third goal. The disappointing thing is not to lose to Man City - the team considered the best in the world at the moment, it is the weakness of Manchester United players.
Another fan said that this defeat was like an humiliation. About 3,000 Man United fans were seated in a corner of the Etihad Stadium. When the score was 5-1, this number was only about 600. This person said that there were some small arguments between those who stayed to watch and those who left early. However, most people think that staying is just a waste of time.
Many Manchester United fans looked to both sides and saw tens of thousands of fans of the opponent celebrating. That desire comes from the pain of decades ago when Manchester City was still hiding under the shadow of their arch-rivals with the same city. Some people still believe that M.U may have a miraculous comeback. In the end, what he had dreamed of happened.
Police at the Etihad Stadium did not stop the Manchester United fans from leaving early (usually this is against the regulations). Some people also mentioned Rafael Varane's injury and feared that after this crushing defeat, another crisis period was about to hit.
The majority still believe in what Erik ten Hag is doing. However, saddened and humiliating, these feelings have come from last season to this season, every time the "Red Devils" travel to the Etihad. It was even sadder when those who left early, on the steps out of the Etihad, were teased and celebrated by countless Man City fans, sometimes even with insulting words.
In the end, there are some people who are both sad but still in love. They left the pitch early to avoid hearing the joyful sound from Man City fans. They returned to the bars to continue watching with other Man United fans. That way of grinning sadness may be more peaceful.
