Just moments after the final whistle Don't Look Back In Anger came blasting through the speakers. But not even a crowd of more than 7,000 Mancs could muster a sing-a-long.
Instead, those that were left just stood, some with their heads buried in their hands, staring at the giant screens, emotionally drained, tying to comprehend what had just happened.
"I just can't believe it" said 24-year-old Callum Mayer, from Bury, as he trudged out of the Road to Victory fan park in Depot Mayfield. "That's all I can say right now. Gutted", echoing the views of so many others as they struggled to come to terms with England's heartbreaking 2-1 quarter-final defeat to France and their latest World Cup exit.
READ MORE: Chaotic scenes in Manchester fan park as Harry Kane equalises before World Cup heartache
They say it's the hope that kills you. And for a time there was more than hope, there was belief.
Making your way into the sprawling former warehouse opposite Piccadilly Station which for the duration of this tournament has been home to Europe's largest fan park, it felt like you were going to the match itself, with merchandise sellers flogging England scarves and flags, and chants of 'it's coming home' from fan anthem Three Lions echoing around the queue.
Inside there was a moshpit during Sweet Caroline and a spine-tingling rendition of the national anthem.
And despite the early setback of Aurelien Tchouameni's stunning opening goal for the French, which somewhat dampened the pre-match enthusiasm, the 7,200-strong crowd packed into the venue never stopped getting behind their team.
There was particular ire reserved for the officials with chants of 'the referee's a w***er' booming around following numerous contentious decisions in the first half, and there were loud boos as the cameras panned on him.
Though it was a blast of the referee's whistle that saw all hell break loose 10 minutes into the second half. Bukayo Saka went down and Wilton Sampaio pointing to the spot was celebrated like a goal in itself.
But those celebrations were nothing compared to what followed just seconds later when Kane smashed England level.
Pints of beer went flying through the air. The standing section was a sea of arms and legs whilst those in the seated section flung themselves on tables and into the safety barriers. People hugged strangers and friends with equal intensity.
The atmosphere afterwards was electric and there were several moments the noise of the crowd convinced you it was just a matter of time before another England goal. So Olivier Giroud's 78th-minute header felt like the bursting of the bubble. But in this crazy topsy, turvy game, there was still time for much more drama.
There was a deafening roar as Mason Mount was bundled over in the box and howls of derision at the decision not being given immediately.
But the crowd began to celebrate from the moment the referee jogged over to the VAR monitor to have another look.
Given Kane's first penalty there was a feeling in the crowd that once it had been given, they were simply waiting for it to hit the net, planning their celebrations and starting to fret about the prospect of extra time and penalties.
So there was utterly stunned silence as his effort flew over the crossbar. There were still moments of hope, most notably Marcus Rashford's 99th minute free-kick which as it brushed the top of the net, many thought had gone in.
But it wasn't to be and fans were left to rue another gut-wrenching tournament exit.
Though amongst the heartache there was pride in defeat. "I thought we were the better team" said 29 year-old Ollie Stuchdury. "That's the best I've seen England play in a tournament, especially a big like that. We can't have asked for much more.
"I'm a Spurs fan so to see Harry miss the pen like that was just horrible. He's normally so reliable." The only thing fans can rely on with England is joy, drama, and heartache in equal measure and tonight was the perfect example.
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