As we enter the final stages of the 24/25 premier league season with United currently in 13th position and in the quarter finals of the Europa league, is Uniteds future looking bleak or can we dare to be optimistic?
Following on from a rollercoaster few weeks for the club which saw Sir Jim Ratcliffe navigate his way through some difficult questions in interviews that have divided fans opinions, plans for a new stadium and regeneration of the Trafford area unveiled, and most importantly improvements in play and results on the pitch, are we on the right path?
As a United fan I’m a hopeless optimist. I guess it’s all I could be these last 12 years. Watching the Glaziers take money from the club, piling on the debt and putting business men in charge of footballing decisions has left us scrambling to stay within PSR while needing a squad rebuild.
Sir Jim and Ineos have now come in, acting as a buffer between fans and the Glaziers. The acquisition of key figures such as Omar Borada and Jason Wilcox among others means we have footballing people, with experience, making footballing decisions. It’s evident from our last two transfer windows that we are a lot more competent when getting deals done in both directions. No longer over paying, no longer looking at big names and big salaries etc. This for me is a huge step forward.
You may not agree with Sir Jim’s methods of reducing costs, notably cutting funding for ex-players, and lunches for staff, but the clubs overheads are huge, and the clubs been poorly managed for over a decade. Therefore, i believe these drastic measures are warranted in many ways, and Sir Jim’s success in the world of Business would indicate he’s the right person to turn our finances around.
What about the football? The manager? The players? Is our recent form papering over cracks or is it progress and a glimpse of what’s to come?
I was at Old Trafford for the Arsenal game. In the Stretford end we remained standing the entire game, atmosphere was the greatest I’d seen it in a while. The football however not so much. Up until the Bruno freekick we played a low block. Arsenal dominated possession. Now as a United fan, it didn’t make for great viewing, but Arsenal never looked like scoring. For me, I took it as a positive sign that Amorim knew it was more important to take points than to stick with his philosophy as the team aren’t quite there yet. We got the point from Arsenal and could nearly have taken all 3. We then go on to beat Real Sociedad and Leicester too.
Leicester were poor, but you can only beat what’s in front of you. Hojlund and Garnacho both ending goal droughts, and a clean sheet. The only negative, the injury to Ayden Heaven.
So what’s my conclusion? Well, I plan to remain hopelessly optimistic. A strong finish to the season, potentially winning the Europa league and gaining a Champions league place for next season. A full summer for Amorim to instill his philosophy. Some new players coming in, some deadwood going the other way. (Not naming any names).
What’s your thoughts? Fair assessment or am I dillusional.
agree