The skies above Old Trafford barely stopped weeping, the heavy silence spoke of grief and worry.
Grief for the passing of Nobby Stiles, worry for the health of Sir Bobby Charlton.
In normal, happier, brighter times, Sir Bobby would have been in his usual seat, the statesman of this great club, dignity personified, its most wonderful son.
That he is now afflicted by dementia should, it goes without saying, be yet another reminder of why the game’s authorities - and that includes the PFA - should redouble their efforts not only to support those suffering from this cruel illness but to establish the extent of the link with football.
For too long it has been an issue they have refused to tackle with any urgency, with any gravity, with any conviction.
You can rest assured Manchester United will be doing everything they can to help.
Because these trying moments are reminders of what a football club is all about.
Community, family. Nobby and Sir Bobby are the family.
A club is not about the Wall Street share price, the commercial deals, the signing videos, the replica kits, the TV contracts.
It is about Stiles and Charlton and the glory they brought.
For all their adept handling of those modern necessities, United is full of people who know just that.
That is why they will honour the treasured memory of Stiles in a fitting way, be assured of that.
It is why Sir Bobby and his nearest and dearest will be supported in every way possible.
Again, it does not need to be said their statement was anything other than heartfelt.
And one way of supporting Sir Bobby and honouring Nobby is where they would want it done - on the pitch.
Amidst the sadness that permeated the Theatre of Dreams yesterday, it was worth remembering the smiles Charlton and Stiles put on faces… and making sure this United team does the same.
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