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Fans of Manchester United endured a difficult campaign in 2018-19. There was the horrendous summer of transfer business under Jose Mourinho, with the former manager being denied practically every target he identified. Then, there was the woeful start to the EPL season and sour atmosphere at the club that came as a result of that poor showing in the market.
The rot continued to set in and soon after there were fall-outs with poster-boy Paul Pogba, who found himself benched for a number of games before the United board of directors eased his pain by sacking Mourinho.
Things took a turn for the better once Ole was at the wheel, with wins against PSG and Tottenham. But a disastrous run after that saw United fans lose their cool with many of the club's players, management, and directors; the underperforming squad limped into sixth place, losing against relegated Cardiff City at home on the final day of the season.
However, it's now time to put the last season in the rearview mirror, where it belongs, and to focus on the future. With that in mind, here are five causes for optimism among United's fans.
1) Mason Greenwood
The highly-rated academy prospect featured notably in a substitute cameo against PSG in the Champions League, and in a start against Cardiff City in the EPL - a game in which he was the sole highlight of a disjointed and dispirited United performance.
The pacy young striker has demonstrated his goal-scoring prowess in the youth team, where he averaged roughly a goal per game, and looks set to be made part of Solskjaer's plans come August.
United's fans will certainly be hoping that next season Greenwood is able to consistently demonstrate the abilities that have made him one of English football's most talked about up-and-comers.
2) Angel Gomes
Angel Gomes is another player that hardcore United fans are keen to see more of. The diminutive technician has been a constant performer in the youth ranks for both the Red Devils (8 goals & 5 assists in 24 games) and the English national team.
His fleet feet, close control and eye for a pass make him an absolute nightmare to play against. Gomes has been heralded as one of the world's best prospects for a few years now, so he must surely be made part of Ole's youthful revival.
3) Developing a team for the future using the Europa League
Besides the two I just mentioned, there is a pool of young talent at Old Trafford that require game time. The Europa League will give Solskjaer the perfect opportunity to give them just that.
Players like Tahith Chong, James Garner, Diogo Dalot, Axel Tuanzebe, Timothy Fosu-Mensah, Joel Castro Pereira and Ethan Laird can only benefit from this kind of exposure. The fans will be hoping that some of them are able to impress enough and oust some of the current under-performers from the first team picture.
4) Manchester United never give up
In February of 1958, the entire Manchester United squad boarded a flight home from Munich, which crashed shortly after its third attempt at take-off. Eight of the players, including aerial powerhouse Tommy Tayor, died in the incident, and two were injured, never to play again.
From this tragedy emerged a new generation of players. This team, formed of youthful exuberance and flair, and containing icons such as George Best and Bobby Charlton, went on to lift the European Cup in 1968.
In 1999, with the game coming to an end, a depleted Manchester United side won a corner against German opponents Bayern Munich in the Champions League final. The rest is history, with United going on to equalize (Sheringham) before scoring again (Solskjaer) almost immediately to defeat Bayern 2-1.
In 2019, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer... you get my point!
5) Transfers, transfers, transfers
Sessegnon, Cancelo, Koulibaly, Maguire, De Ligt, Wan Bissaka, Meunier, Ndombele, Neves, Rabiot, Rice, Fernandez, Partey, Felix, Tielemans, Dybala, Icardi, Sancho, Ziyech, D.James, Bale, Pepe and numerous others have all been linked with the club in recent weeks. And what United's fans would be prepared to do to get even five from that list is too graphic to disclose.
The Old Trafford faithful are absolutely desperate for reinforcements following an abject campaign, and believe that anything short of serious business is likely to lead to another year in the wilderness for their beloved club. Reports suggest the board have taken note of this sentiment and are prepared to invest significantly in the squad in time for next season.
See. It's not all doom and gloom for Manchester United after all.
What do you think? Are Manchester United going to turn it around next season, or will they remain in the wilderness? Let us know in the comments below.
