Four reasons why Manchester United fans should feel optimistic about 2014/15 season

The less we, the Manchester United fans, speak about the last season, the better. A seventh place finish with no European football to look forward to says a lot. It was just a reminder to all of us, as well as the United players and staff, that nothing should be taken for granted. If you remain static, don't move forward in the right direction, follow archaic methods or don't adapt to the times, you are bound to fail. And that's exactly what happened at Old Trafford last season Transfer business that lacked clear direction, a leader that lacked inspiration and a team that lacked motivation.However, what's done isdone and the best way for everyone associated with Manchester United is to forget last season and look ahead positively to the upcoming campaign. Because, to be honest, the worst is over and anything that can happen to the Red Devils from here is going to be good, if not the best. A new season in football is like a new day in life. It brings with itself a whole new set of opportunities and renewed hopes of desires that were left unfulfilled, dreams that were left shattered and goals that were left unachieved.So here are four reasons why every Manchester United fan should feel optimistic about next season:

#1 Louis van Gaal

I was one of those United fans who believed David Moyes could have been given one more season with proper transfer backing and felt disappointed when he was sacked. However, that feeling went away when I heard the news of Louis van Gaal being named as his successor. And if there was still any such feeling left, then it has totally vanished after seeing his leadership of the Dutch national team at the World Cup finals.

The Dutchman's record all across Europe speaks for himself. He is a true winner whose personality complements Manchester United's identity, barring the arrogance maybe. He is someone who demands respect, someone who is not afraid to make tough decisions, someone who is adaptive enough to follow any style of football, someone who stands by his players and someone who sets high standards for anything that he takes up. A perfect leader to say the least.

And he rightly summed it up in his first conference as a Manchester United manager, "I have to work, I have to prepare a team, I have to adapt to this big club. It shall not be easy but I will do my utmost best and when you see my career you can see what I have won. That's all I can say. The future shall show if I can do that again"

#2 Early transfer activity

One of the major reasons of Manchester United's downfall last season was its disastrous summer transfer window activity. United were in desperate need of a midfield marshal and made serious efforts to sign Cesc Fabregas, Thiago Alcantara and Anders Herrera but to no avail. The rival clubs, on the other hand, had already done their homework and did their business early, which put them ahead of United even before the season started.

But this pre-season however, United seem to have learnt from their mistakes which made them take an early dip into the transfer market to claw out quality and sought-after players like Luke Shaw and Anders Herrera. This has made them plug those gaping holes at left back and the centre midfield position even before the real business starts. In addition to that, the Reds have now enough time to assess their squad and go for another midfield player and a centre back that would make the squad competent enough to fight again on all fronts.

United have reportedly expressed interest in Arturo Vidal and Angel di Maria and, along with them, if they can also attract a quality centre-back to Old Trafford before end of August, they would certainly be one of the favorites to win the Premier League.

#3 The worst is over

West Brom winning at Old Trafford for the first time in 36 years, Newcastle defeating United at home for the first time in 42 years, Swansea City's first ever victory away at Manchester United, back-to-back 0-3 home losses against your arch rivals, all these resultes were a nightmare for everyone associated with United. They just cannot go down from here. The worst is over.

And if there's anything that the players and staff can take away from the humiliation they faced last season, then it's the added motivation to give Manchester United its identity back. Humiliation is the greatest motivation, and if United can channel this anger into a positive, something that Louis van Gaal is adept at, then there's no stopping them this season.

So beware Premier League clubs, a wounded tiger is on the prowl to regain its lost identity.

#4 No European football

Many of you might argue as to how can we even think of not featuring in Europe as a reason for optimism for next season. Rightly so. It's unimaginable for a club of the stature of Manchester United. But what can be done? It's something that has already happened and should be accepted with a pinch of salt. So rather than sit back and feel aggrieved, United players, staff and fans, like true optimists, should look at the positives coming out if it.

And the positive is the less number of games and distractions which gives them the opportunity to have a go at the Premier League title with even more focus. The benefits of a focused campaign were ably reaped by Liverpool last season. And though the Champions League is the biggest prize in club football, the domestic league title is the bread and butter for every football club and an opportunity to have a better go at it shouldn't be looked down upon.

And Manchester United will be back in Europe next season. Definitely.