We still seem to be on as many back pages as we ever were. I cant imagine how you've reached the conclusion that we are irrelevant now.
We are starting to be. Few years ago it was title or nothing. Then top four. Now top six is good. Point away is good. Everton at home is tough game.
We reached point where there is no much fuss when we lose points. Especially among fans no matter of which club. That will trigger domino effect. When we fall down in packing order in eyes of media and fans we are automatically falling down in eyes of sponsors. Our income will reduce. Without income you can't bring best players and best players win you titles.
Days when "young and hungry" players were winning titles for their clubs are over. What clubs win titles around Europe? Richest. Clubs who are buying and having world class players. Barca, Real, Bayern, City, PSG, Juve...
It is reality. You think that players from Leicester, Newcastle, Bournemouth and clubs like that will win us titles in future when our spending power and reputation falls down? No, they will not. Especially in a league like PL. Pure quality will beat "desire and passion" 9 times of 10. You will always have some weird season when underdog wins title but it is anomaly in today's football.
Anyway, i went from topic there. Remember Milan? They were among top clubs in the world in 90s and 2000s. Look at them now. Do you know their players? Their league position? Bloody hell i doubt that many know who their coach is. Same thing happened to Liverpool in the past.
You talk about paper headlines. Look at wider picture. Outside UK. If fans and media outside UK lose interest for United what will happen?