Opposition/Neutral fans: Your opinion on Manchester United's 21/22 season?

[LawCharltonBest]

If Spurs or Arsenal, for example, finished 2nd in 2020/21 and then added Ronaldo, Sancho and Varane to their squad without losing any key players last summer - then finished 6th with a goal difference of 0 this season, I think it would be hilarious. But maybe I would have a clearer idea why it happened, without the emotional attachment.

And In my Spurs/Arsenal example, I think now getting a proper top level manager and a huge restructure, I would think "ah shit, they'll be back next season then" - but it might be again that I am too emotionally attached and it gives me false hope. So is this season a freak clusterfeck? or just where United are for now?

 

[Thunderhead]

awful and at times hilarious, and tbh I can't think of the last time I watched a United game, possibly the 4-0 v Brighton.

But, I think you're in a decent position to finish top 4 next season, all depends on how ETH gets the players onside.

You've still a decent core in

DDG/Henderson, Varane, Fred, Ronaldo, Bruno,

I really think if United can get a proper defensive midfielder who breaks up play and recycles the ball well you'll see a different Fred, I must be one of the only people about who really rates him. I also think a proper defensive midfielder will help both Varane and Maguire which isn't as bad a partnership as loads make out, how ETH decides to line up and who he brings in are key but this will be your first proper modern day manager since Ferguson left, unfortunately I don't think you can bring 6 or 7 players in at once which you'd probably need to challenge, if I was ETH I'd be looking for a top class technical DM, a right back and a young wide centre forward.

going with the 4-3-1-2 which (I think) ETH favours

DDG / Henderson

NewRB - Varane - Maguire - Shaw

Fred - NewDM - Sancho (not sure if he's disciplined enough)

Bruno

Ronaldo NewFW

that on paper wouldn't be a terrible start, squad would still need bulking out but with Lindeloff, Rashford, McTominay, Elanga, Bailly, Dalot and a couple of experienced squad players you'll be fine, ETC then can replace Ronaldo and anyone else in year 2 and 3 then should be close to challenging.

I'd deffo get rid of for the now to raise some funds

Henderson or DDG keep whoever the manager wants sell the other
AWB
Telles
Jones

year two replace, McTominay, Rashford if he's still stagnating, Maguire if he's still making the same basic errors, Shaw if he can't stay fit and take it form there, possibly a new GK if Henderson goes in year 1.

Don't think there is a quick fix but no reason by year 3 or 4 you can't be challenging for league and cups.