5 reasons for Manchester United fans to be optimistic in 2018

#1 Work in progress

Manchester United made huge strides in 2017 and there will be more to come in 2018

A seemingly unstoppable Manchester City has United's form seem a lot worse than what it is, but there is no denying that Mourinho's side has vastly improved on last season. Regardless of how 2017 ended, United remain on an upward trajectory.

United score more goals and concede less than they have in years and the club has a crop of players with bright futures ahead of them.

Mourinho will have learned a lot about his team over the last 12 months and he will have a clear vision of what needs to be done to close the gap with City in 2018.

United's long-lost Premier League trophy almost certainly will not return this year. But 2018 may just prove to be the year the club takes a few important steps required to bring it back in the near future.