[QUOTE="AXVnee7, post:
I think by far the biggest predicament though, is the sheer number of 'false dawns' we've had over the last 3 years, and even to some extent this season. It just feels like every time we find a solution, a formation, the right midfield partnership, something else has to go wrong. Whether that's an injury, a drubbing, inconsistent performances or mental capitulations, it's just we never seem to progress. One can only get his hopes up so many times... [/QUOTE]
I write as a Liverpool fan - you've nailed it - it's the hope that destroys you, and (in our case) made us delusional.
Your problem is the same as ours - phenomenal success over a long period led fans, players and everyone connected to the club to believe it would continue forever, but once teams no longer fear coming to Anfield/Old Trafford they start to believe - play better and then home results suffer, refs stop giving the benefit of the doubt, the press is less supportive, signings are put under greater scrutiny and the whole thing leads to an atmosphere of negativity, lack of confidence and uncertainty. The hope comes from runs of good form, standout performances against high-ranking teams and the odd trophy along the way, but this masks the overall lack of that elusive 'something' - and it's harder for those people in charge because of the expectations at the club.
In our case it was a long and hard road, and the lessening of our powers was a gradual incremental one, but it was only when expectations were lowered that the new manager's methods were truly given a chance to work - in United's case I think it will be a rocky, but much shorter journey, because the club has the money and manager to attract top talent even if you suffer a short time away from Champions league, because ultimately it's when you have to settle for your second or third choice transfer targets (whilst your remaining true talent is leaving) that the problems become really apparent.