They couldn’t, could they?
There are many strong contenders for the Post-Fergie Wilderness YearsTM eff-up hit parade, and we all have our favourite favourite, whether the 7-0 defeat at Anfield; the various capitulations against Sevilla; the various slappings off Brighton and Bournemouth; the 4-0 defeat at MK Dons; the 2018 FA Cup final no-show; every single aspect of the 2021 Europa League final; the multifarious Champions League embarrassments; the derby outclassings; failing to score before half-time in 11 consecutive home games; three games in a week – one against a team from a division below which went to extra time – with no goals scored; losing thrice in one season to Spurs; watching Liverpool and Manchester City win everything in sight; and on and on and Ariston.
But, though the world of football is perhaps more disputatious than any other, we can surely all agree that, if they somehow make a mess of a 3-0 advantage, at home, we’ll be lauding a new entry, straight in at no 1. Which will feel like a birthday present, relative to the infinite, irredeemable and eternal shame of losing a European final to the aforementioned Spurs. Oh yes, there’s plenty more mileage in this yet.
Kick-off: 8pm BST