Football is nothing without fans. The quote from Sir Matt Busby, often repeated by Manchester United's senior figures these past months, stretches across a banner in the Stretford End behind one goal at Old Trafford.
It was the same goal where Scott McTominay scored United's second in a pulsating Manchester derby win in March, seizing on a poor pass from Ederson in the 96th minute to confirm victory for United amid delirious scenes seldom witnessed here in recent years.
That was the last game played with fans at Old Trafford and it could well be the last one played without them if the Government decides to take Manchester our of tier three this week.