It’s the day after a frustrating draw for Manchester United against relegation-threatened Burnley. At Manchester Piccadilly station, the mood among fans seems subdued. United currently sit 6th in the Premier League with 4 games left, all but out of the race for Champions League qualification, but still hoping to secure a Europa League spot. Overtaking rivals like Aston Villa and Newcastle is one thing, but catching up to the dominant Manchester City, on track for a historic 4th straight Premier League title, is an enormous challenge. United are the only other team to have truly threatened this feat in the past.

Nearby, a popular local eatery is busy, and a young employee shrugs off the disappointment of the previous night’s result as “simply disappointing.” Venturing into a quiet Starbucks, another staff member offers a more nuanced view, saying the team is good but poorly managed. Engaging with locals, it’s clear that opinions on Manchester United and their struggles are plentiful, reflecting the club’s status as the most followed and engaging Premier League team despite not winning the title since 2013.

As I head to my hotel, I encounter a passionate United supporter who reels off his favorite players, including the 19-year-old Kobbie Mainoo. Despite his relative inexperience, with only 30 senior appearances, the fan speaks of Mainoo with great enthusiasm, though also cautions against putting too much pressure on the young talent. Meeting Mainoo the next day, his humility and gentle demeanor belie his growing reputation, as he is surrounded by a small entourage of agents, brand representatives and supportive family members.