The baton of United's history needs to be passed on - who will the men to grasp it? 

For too long, sadly, they have been ebbing away and standards on the field have slipped with them.

REMEMBERING SIR BOBBY CHARLTON: A giant banner in tribute to Sir Bobby Charlton during the Premier League match at Old Trafford, Manchester. 

On a day when poignant tributes to Sir Bobby Charlton framed the Manchester derby, the need to protect the golden thread of United history that runs all the way from Munich to 2023 is stronger than ever; and a predictable, depressing defeat against City only underlines the fact.

The pre-match tributes for United legend Charlton, in which City, to their credit, paid their own part, were painful, wistful and heartfelt in equal measure.