Opinion Of late, there is neither joy, nor love, nor light in following Manchester United

The defeat in the Europa League final was the last blow for Manchester United this season, for players, management and disconsolate fans. But the latest setback also offers time to reflect about the spectacular fall of a great football institution. It’s time to lament the cut-throat firing of staff, the soulless cutting of corners and the startling detachment of the new co-owner, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who behaves like a corporate czar. Pity the plight of the club faithful across the world. Of late, there is neither joy, nor love, nor light in following United.

In the eye of the storm is a 40-year-old manager, cutting his teeth in the toughest league in Europe. Ruben Amorim, despite the inevitability of suffering the worst-ever league season in the club’s history, remains optimistic about turning its fortunes around. But there are problems deeper than the stasis on the field, the mess in administration and greedy ownership. Amorim’s ideas are lofty, and when they work, the team would be a treat to watch. But without the personnel for implementing the changes, his efforts have backfired. Now a funds crunch will come in the way of a complete overhaul. In short, United could end up with the same nucleus in the next season, too.

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But the absence of European football could be a blessing in disguise. The easing up of the calendar could complement the rebuilding process. The worst step in this direction would be sacking Amorim, who is United’s sixth full-time manager in the last 12 years. Continuity could be the guiding light into the future. Giving Amorim the time and players for his ideas to take wing is the most practical way forward.