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Manchester United welcomed the fans back inside the Old Trafford stadium for the first time in 14 months but celebrations were dimmed after Fulham held them to a disappointing 1-1 draw in the Premier League.
Edinson Cavani's epic long-range lob was canceled out by Joe Bryan in the second-half. The Red Devils failed to secure a runners-up spot and must now win on the final day away to Wolves to finish second.
Although the home side looked dangerous going forward, the Uruguayan's cheeky effort was their only breakthrough in the first-half. They also missed some good chances after the break.
The Cottagers punished them for their wastefulness after Bryan headed Bobby Reid's cross home in the 76th minute to earn an unlikely point for the relegated outfit.
Here are the five major talking points from the match:
#1 Man Utd rue missed chances
Manchester United were in control for almost the entirety of the match and carved out some good chances in the second-half too following a cagey opening period. But a lack of cutting edge saw them waste their opportunities and settle for a disappointing stalemate.
Bruno Fernandes wasted two good free-kicks - one was blocked by Areola and the other was fired just wide off the post - while Mason Greenwood missed one gilt-edged chance each in both half.
Greenwood latched onto Aaron Wan-Bissaka's inviting cross during the early exchanges but couldn't flick it on target and instead fired it onto the roof of the net. He will also regret missing a second chance when Fernandes sent him through on goal but failed to beat Areola in a one-on-one.
#2 Bryan's maiden goal catches Manchester United napping
Joe Bryan denied Manchester United a victory with his first-ever Premier League goal and one which caught them napping.
The full-back comfortably drove forward in the build-up and positioned himself neatly inside the area, before heading Bobby Reid's cross home from close-range.
Wan-Bissaka, who was supposed to track his movements and challenge him for the ball, was nowhere to be seen throughout, while the other Manchester United players around Bryan didn't notice him either.
#3 Cavani scores 'goal of the season' contender
Edinson Cavani broke the deadlock in the first-half with a sensational, long-range effort that might just get nominated for the 'goal of the season' award.
After being flicked on by Fernandes, the Uruguayan raced clear of Fulham's outstretched defense and lobbed over Alphonso Areola from more than 30 yards out to put Manchester United in front.
El Matador treated the home crowd, watching him play from the stands for the very first time since his arrival, with an absolute beauty.
#4 Manchester United must find their rhythm before Europa final
Manchester United's season is running the risk of a damp squib finish. The draw with Fulham means the side have now won just once from their last five games in all competitions and look every bit like a side that's losing steam.
With second place still not secured, the Red Devils have one last chance on Sunday against Wolves in Sunday's finale, and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will hope to see his side pick up a huge win and find some form.
They're due to play Villarreal in the Europa League final in just eight days' time and Unai Emery's side must be feeling confident about their chances against this version of Manchester United.
#5 Good to see the fans back inside the stadium
With lockdown restrictions easing in the UK, about 10,000 fans of Manchester United were allowed inside Old Trafford for the first time in 14 months.
Although it wasn't the most memorable return, watching the stands filled up with people and their cheers reverberating around the stadium made football come alive again.
We saw them during the FA Cup final too last week and it felt good. But having the fans back for league games brought a sense of normalcy and it truly felt like the gold old days were here.
The Red Devils faithful were surely disappointed with the result but must have felt elated at watching their players live on the pitch again after such a long time.
