I agree with most of it but we did see the improvements in the initial run. In his interview with Neville he said they started focusing on results when they were in race for top 4. Actually that's a good interview where he says how the things are.
At least for me, the conclusions from first 4 months is
- We changed the style and worked hard as a team in the initial run. (Made more sprints than opponents)
- Fitness caught up (Solskjaer - Of course the fitness levels are not good enough for me. Maybe we have been caught up with that respect and pre-season is going to be a big mark for me and for all of us.)
- We were in race for top 4, so focus shifted to results, coincided with lot of injuries because of high work rate. (Again this is the team that was in 20th position in work rate and IIRC 19th this season). Also this was the time when games came thick and fast.
- re progress, this is why I believe in Ole. He has all the right ideas, that working on fitness, playing with intensity, recruiting players who wants to be here rather than who wants just 10-20% pay hike.
If he can execute his ideas is left to see. For the first time since SAF I believe we have manager who has right ideas.
I believe people think we are just making excuse for Ole talking about fitness but they refuse to read the articles on Conte, Poch's preseason preparation or players who talks about how improved fitness helped them to play better. Look at the intensity with which Liverpool and Spurs play, no wonder teams struggle to cope with them.