A planned walkout from Manchester United supporters during their Premier League game against Brentford fell flat as the Red Devils ran out comfortable winners at Old Trafford.
There were protests outside the ground on Monday night before the game against the Bees, with owners the Glazer family the target. It was not the first time the long-time owners have been the subject of intense fan fury.
Fan group The 1958 had urged supporters to walk out 17 minutes from full-time, to mark the 17 years the Glazers have owned the club. It follows a similar act before the home game against Norwich, where there was a push to enter Old Trafford in the 17th minute.
United's players tasted success in their final home game of the season thanks to goals from Bruno Fernandes, Cristiano Ronaldo and Raphael Varane. Varane's goal was his first for the club after his summer move from Real Madrid.
And the second half goals which saw United take firm control - Ronaldo scoring after 61 minutes and Varane in the 72nd minute, just before the planned walkout- appeared to ensure the protest lost any momentum. Flares were left off and there were chants against the Glazer family, but very few fans appeared to leave their seats.
The game was Ralf Rangnick's last at Old Trafford as manager. The German is poised to move into a consultancy role when Erik ten Hag takes charge, filling the role alongside his responsibilities as Austria's new manager.
The players had a lap of honour after the game, thanking fans for their support over the course of the season. Despite earlier reports of a walkout, plenty were still in their seats to greet the players.
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The applause for the supporters appeared to go down well, with the result unlikely to have harmed that state of affairs. Additionally, a number of those involved may well have been playing at Old Trafford for the last time.
Nemanja Matic is one of that number, having confirmed in April that he will leave at the end of the current season. The Serbian started against Brentford, and was given a warm reception when leaving the field to be replaced by Fred for the final 20 minutes.
Several others are out of contract at the end of the season, and are unlikely to renew their deals. Included among that number are Juan Mata, who started, and substitute Edinson Cavani.
"After a great deal of thought, I have decided that this season will be my last with Manchester United," Matic posted on social media after reaching his decision. "I have informed the board, the manager and the players of my decision.
"It has been a huge honour and a privilege to play for this great club. A big thank you to the fans for their unwavering support. I will now give everything until the end of the season to help my teammates finish as strongly as possible."
United's victory over Brentford was their second this season, after a 3-1 win in west London in January. The win takes them six points clear of sixth-place West Ham, though David Moyes' side have a game in hand.
