Manchester United would have retained the Premiership if they'd won this game – or, of course, if they'd won any of the other games they drew during the course of the season. Or, seeing as one extra point would have done the trick, if they'd drawn any of the games they lost, especially the two against Manchester City. Or, seeing as they lost the trophy on goal difference, if their victories had been achieved with a bigger winning margin.
Manchester United's chance of retaining the Premiership hinged on their performance in several key matches. Had they secured victories in games they drew throughout the season, or even managed to draw matches they lost, particularly against rivals Manchester City, the outcome could have been vastly different. Just one more point would have sufficed for them to maintain their title.
The season's narrow margin meant that Manchester United lost the trophy on goal difference. An increase in their winning margins during matches could have altered the final standings. The reflection on these missed opportunities highlights how close the competition was and the impact of seemingly minor results in the context of a season.
