Manchester United returned to England yesterday to be greeted by the type of headlines not associated with the club since they were relegated from the old first division almost 40 years ago.
Their woeful display in a 2-0 defeat by Olympiakos in the first leg of their Champions League last 16 tie has left them on the brink of elimination from the only competition they can still win this season.
The Daily Mail back page screamed "Humiliated!", and The Daily Telegraph described them as "Clueless, Aimless and Hopeless".
"United's disastrous season was lying in ruins last night after they were humiliated in Athens," said The Sun.
Manager David Moyes and his players were roundly criticised not just for the defeat, but for the manner in which they lost.
Henry Winter of the Telegraph said: "This was a horrible, aimless, passionless performance from United.
"This was a display riddled with errors from the players and the manager, Moyes.
"United were too cautious in design, clueless in possession and too generous with space, seemingly inviting Olympiakos to score."
Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package. 
