splutter

Manchester United meanwhile continue to splutter their way through the season, picking up points here and there without playing anything like the football their fans expect.

Peaks stretch far into the distance and the volunteer delivery vans lumber and splutter over orange dirt roads, passing vertiginous drops.

Meanwhile, one of the biggest surprises of this tournament has been to see the USA, so dominant and powerful over the years, splutter and stumble in the group stage.

The conveyor belt was ready, the empty bottles were stacked and the machinery was about to splutter into life.

Some of those waiting in line stayed behind to splutter indignantly and argue their case, to no avail.