The decrepit state of Old Trafford was laid bare as Manchester United sprang a leak on and off the pitch.
As United sank to a 1-0 defeat to Arsenal, who kept up their title challenge on reigning champions Manchester City, a fierce thunderstorm swamped the 114-year-old stadium.
Water could be seen cascading from one corner of the ground while videos on social media showed a flood pouring under seats and even where the players’ tunnel meets the dressing-rooms.
United said that 1.6 inches of rain fell in two hours after the final whistle – more than in the entire month of May last year – but supporters of both clubs left the stadium safely.