Manchester United saved the very worst until last. A wretched season ended, fittingly, in a wretched defeat at Old Trafford to a side who will be playing in the Championship next season.

While their cross-city rivals were busy winning the title in Brighton, United were humiliated at home by Cardiff City. The boos at the final whistle were inevitable and the “lap of appreciation” that followed, in front of barely a third full Old Trafford, was excruciating to witness. As the Cardiff fans goaded Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, their former manager, with chants of “You’re getting sacked in the morning”, United’s players ambled round the pitch, looking like they would rather be anywhere else. Of those United fans who did hang around, some managed to muster the politeness to clap.

Others just stood there, arms folded, shaking their heads in dismay and disgust. Some were not so passive, though. Paul Pogba - whose future remains clouded in uncertainty as he eyes a move to Real Madrid - was abused by one furious supporter as the midfielder watched on, shirt off, at the mouth of the tunnel.

United finish the campaign sixth, an astonishing 32 points behind Manchester City - the same gap to relegated Cardiff - and 15 worse off than last season. And the ignominy may not end there. They are now entirely dependent on Pep Guardiola’s side beating Watford in the FA Cup final on Saturday to prevent them from entering the Europa League at the second qualifying stage on July 25. That would mean having to navigate six games just to reach the competition’s group stages although, on this form, they won’t get that far.