Optimism for 2025-26 season

BaguetteBoy said:
Not trying to jinx anything, but… I haven't felt this positive in a long time.

I know it’s only preseason. I know the real tests come when the competitive fixtures start, and results actually mean something. But I can’t help it — this feels different. Not just the scorelines, but the performances, the patterns of play, the energy, the chemistry. There’s an understanding out there that we haven’t seen in a long time. Players look like they knowwhat they’re doing, and more importantly, they look like they’re enjoying it.

It’s not blind optimism. I’ve seen enough false dawns to know the danger of getting carried away. But at the same time — why shouldn’t we let ourselves feel excited when there are genuine reasons to be?

We’ve spent enough time slogging through seasons where things felt stale, disjointed, or lacking identity. Now there’s a sense of purpose again. Movements off the ball make sense. There’s fluidity in the buildup. We’re seeing pressing with intent, clever combinations, and even a few glimpses of swagger. That’s not luck — that’s the result of hard work on the training ground and a squad that’s buying into something.

Of course, the league is a different beast. We’ll face tougher opposition, tactical challenges, injuries, form dips — all of it. But right now, I’m choosing to enjoy what I’m seeing. I’ve missed that feeling — watching my team play and thinking, “Yes, this is how football’s meant to look.”

If things go off track later, fine — we deal with it. But I won’t let the fear of disappointment stop me from appreciating the good signs when they’re staring us in the face. Sometimes you’ve got to let yourself believe a little. And honestly? It’s been far too long since we had something worth believing in.

Bring on the season. Let’s see what we can do.
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That’s the spirit ! I’m really excited for this season and I think we can get at least top five. Liverpool look very strong but Arsenal, City, Chelsea? People are talking like they’re prime Brazil c1970. City were shite for a third of last season, Arsenal can’t win a bloody raffle and Chelsea are only ever three consecutive defeats away from sacking their manager. Roll on that first game, I cannot wait and am full of hope that we will be heading back in at least the right direction. I’d hate to be a fan who’s all doom and gloom two weeks before the off. Cunha, Sesko and Mbuemo - how the hell can you not wait to see that strike force in full flow !
 
dogwithabone said:
That’s the spirit ! I’m really excited for this season and I think we can get at least top five. Liverpool look very strong but Arsenal, City, Chelsea? People are talking like they’re prime Brazil c1970. City were shite for a third of last season, Arsenal can’t win a bloody raffle and Chelsea are only ever three consecutive defeats away from sacking their manager. Roll on that first game, I cannot wait and am full of hope that we will be heading back in at least the right direction. I’d hate to be a fan who’s all doom and gloom two weeks before the off. Cunha, Sesko and Mbuemo - how the hell can you not wait to see that strike force in full flow !
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As a naturally optimistic person, I too am rather optimistic. But not sure about top 5. Hope you are right and I am wrong though.
 
“it’s only pre season” but we have looked very good against premier league opposition which has only been getting better every game. A noticeable improvement. Will it translate to the season is the billion dollar question.
 
A Fact from Last season:

We were 6th for chances created and in the bottom 3 for chances converted.

If we got Sesko and Donnaruma I’d be ecstatic.

There is a great opportunity here.

Liverpool and Arsenal are stronger.

That usually means at least one other top 4/5 team will have a shocker when they realise they can’t win the league they’ll capitulate.

Newcastle are having a shocking window, 55m for Elanga and likely to lose Isak and replace with Wissa, with CL football they could sink faster than the titanic.

City were terrible, has the squad got better? Probably, but are they balanced? Is Pep ok? A lot of talk about Amorim but if it doesn’t go well will Pep walk? The club World Cup means they are having 1 pre season game.

Chelsea, shopping like an Essex girl on coke. Again they have too many players, they won a Micky mouse competition against an exhausted PSG. Getting to the final has ruined their pre season. It could all go wrong.

Fulham haven’t bought anyone.

Brentford looking like relegation candidates.

Forrest, about to get found out. European football won’t help them.

Spurs, they haven’t bought well, champions league hammerings could knock their confidence and humble them.

Bournemouth have sold their best defenders. It doesn’t look good for them.

Aston Villa, the feel good factor is gone. They’ve signed a 19 reserve centre back and that’s that. Losing Assensio and Rashford is a knock to the overall squad quality. Watkins unhappy with being dropped for Rashford.

Brighton. Have done what they always do bring in cheaper well scouted unknowns who will likely be successful but they won’t pull up trees.

Won’t bother mentioning West Ham, Palace or Everton.

So back to us.

If we get Sesko we’ve really addressed our weakest area (scoring goals). We’ve bought 2 of last seasons top 5 pl attackers and at a good age.

We are trying to (Sesko/Watkins) address one of our two weakest positions.

We are also trying to address (Donurumma/Lammens) our other weakest position.

There is zero pressure for us to do anything except finish at least 8th. I feel we can do better and the stupid voice in my head is saying we can fight for top 4/5 if we get what we need and the squad gel quickly.

We have some cracking young defenders. Yoro, Heaven, Dorgu.
Some of the best attackers/creative talent in the league, Mbeumo, Amad, Cunha, Bruno.

The questions we have to ask is what can the others bring.

Can Mount get back to his best and stay fit?
Can Shaw stay fit?
Can Martinez get fit and back to being a top/top player?
Can Ugarte (2nd season pl adapted) show the player that Man Utd and PSG paid a lot of money for.
Has Casimeiro get the fight and fitness for one last season?
Can Hojilund keep up his pre season form.

We need the perfect storm. Time will tell.
 
I'm not pessimistic or optimistic. Signing a goalkeeper or basically not playing Onana will swing me to the optimistic side. Preseason has been promising but I won't make any judgement will the Premier League starts. One of the biggest problem since Ferguson is our form at Old Trafford. Barring a couple of seasons, it's been very poor. Let's play good football, get the fans on the edge of their seat and pick up some good results.

We've got rid of some deadwood, picked up so e decent signings, not convinced about this system, let's wait and see. The fans deserve a promising start
 
We sign a top striker, CM & a GK and I would be more optimistic then I am today. A young player with potential who can play CCB would be the cherry on top.

With one a game a week for most weeks next season there is little room for excuses. I am sure we'd perform and get better results than we did last season. How much better will solely depend on the manager.
 
Insanity said:
We sign a top striker, CM & a GK and I would be more optimistic then I am today. A young player with potential who can play CCB would be the cherry on top.

With one a game a week for most weeks next season there is little room for excuses. I am sure we'd perform and get better results than we did last season. How much better will solely depend on the manager.
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This is asking for alot in one transfer window dont you think? I cannot see how we sign 5 starting top players in one window.. after finishing 15th.

We dont have the finances to do that. There is not a chance we sign a CB this summer also.
 
I was way too optimistic about last season, so I'll try to not get carried away this time.

I think we are at a stage where we could finish anywhere from 3rd to 12th, we are capable of beating any team that we face, but we are also capable to loose against any team. For me, the biggest change from last season is goals, with Mbuemo and Cunha we should be more effective in terms of goals. Give them the chances that Garnacho burned at the start of last season and we get off to a completely different start. Also, there's no way Højlund ends the season with 32 apps and 4 goals, either he'll score more goals or he won't get the appearances.

I think that we will see that as soon as we fix the whole in midfield, and stop being overrun and easily countered, we'll deliver stable, match winning performances. But that is obviously easier said than done.

My biggest positive soo far from the pre season is the fitness. If we are able to outrun our opponent we will pick up a lot of points that was lost last season.
 
romufc said:
This is asking for alot in one transfer window dont you think? I cannot see how we sign 5 starting top players in one window.. after finishing 15th.

We dont have the finances to do that. There is not a chance we sign a CB this summer also.
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Maybe "top" was a bit too much to ask for but if we can make a few sales then a GK to replace or provide competition to Onana and a young CM with potential is totally possible. Striker, report is that we don't need to make a sale to buy.

CCB might be too much, yes.
 
Insanity said:
We sign a top striker, CM & a GK and I would be more optimistic then I am today. A young player with potential who can play CCB would be the cherry on top.

With one a game a week for most weeks next season there is little room for excuses. I am sure we'd perform and get better results than we did last season. How much better will solely depend on the manager.
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Is the young CCB with potential not already here in Heaven? Or do you see him solely as a LCB?

The lad from Southampton we signed too, is he not that player?

I definitely agree re GK. I do wonder about the CM position - are we assuming that one slot goes to Bruno with Mainoo as cover, and the other slot to a new CM with Ugarte as cover? If so, then I don't think Mainoo stays around for long in a World Cup year.
 
Gee Male said:
Is the young CCB with potential not already here in Heaven? Or do you see him solely as a LCB?

The lad from Southampton we signed too, is he not that player?

I definitely agree re GK. I do wonder about the CM position - are we assuming that one slot goes to Bruno with Mainoo as cover, and the other slot to a new CM with Ugarte as cover? If so, then I don't think Mainoo stays around for long in a World Cup year.
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The S'ton kid is only 16, no?

I would love it if Heaven is deemed good enough to play CCB. Although, I think he'll get most of his starts as a LCB with Licha missing. With Maz, Yoro, Heaven, Licha, 'Arry and de Ligt we are good on numbers but I feel the team is sorely missing a strong & fast ball playing CB to play as CCB.

We need a defensive minded CM with ball playing skills to ideally partner Bruno or Mainoo. Don't think either of Case or Ugarte are good enough.
 
Steve 007 said:
A Fact from Last season:

We were 6th for chances created and in the bottom 3 for chances converted.

If we got Sesko and Donnaruma I’d be ecstatic.

There is a great opportunity here.

Liverpool and Arsenal are stronger.

That usually means at least one other top 4/5 team will have a shocker when they realise they can’t win the league they’ll capitulate.

Newcastle are having a shocking window, 55m for Elanga and likely to lose Isak and replace with Wissa, with CL football they could sink faster than the titanic.

City were terrible, has the squad got better? Probably, but are they balanced? Is Pep ok? A lot of talk about Amorim but if it doesn’t go well will Pep walk? The club World Cup means they are having 1 pre season game.

Chelsea, shopping like an Essex girl on coke. Again they have too many players, they won a Micky mouse competition against an exhausted PSG. Getting to the final has ruined their pre season. It could all go wrong.

Fulham haven’t bought anyone.

Brentford looking like relegation candidates.

Forrest, about to get found out. European football won’t help them.

Spurs, they haven’t bought well, champions league hammerings could knock their confidence and humble them.

Bournemouth have sold their best defenders. It doesn’t look good for them.

Aston Villa, the feel good factor is gone. They’ve signed a 19 reserve centre back and that’s that. Losing Assensio and Rashford is a knock to the overall squad quality. Watkins unhappy with being dropped for Rashford.

Brighton. Have done what they always do bring in cheaper well scouted unknowns who will likely be successful but they won’t pull up trees.

Won’t bother mentioning West Ham, Palace or Everton.

So back to us.

If we get Sesko we’ve really addressed our weakest area (scoring goals). We’ve bought 2 of last seasons top 5 pl attackers and at a good age.

We are trying to (Sesko/Watkins) address one of our two weakest positions.

We are also trying to address (Donurumma/Lammens) our other weakest position.

There is zero pressure for us to do anything except finish at least 8th. I feel we can do better and the stupid voice in my head is saying we can fight for top 4/5 if we get what we need and the squad gel quickly.

We have some cracking young defenders. Yoro, Heaven, Dorgu.
Some of the best attackers/creative talent in the league, Mbeumo, Amad, Cunha, Bruno.

The questions we have to ask is what can the others bring.

Can Mount get back to his best and stay fit?
Can Shaw stay fit?
Can Martinez get fit and back to being a top/top player?
Can Ugarte (2nd season pl adapted) show the player that Man Utd and PSG paid a lot of money for.
Has Casimeiro get the fight and fitness for one last season?
Can Hojilund keep up his pre season form.

We need the perfect storm. Time will tell.
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Certainly, City look set to be even stronger this season. The players they brought in back in January now have time to settle and adapt properly, and they've since added proven Premier League starters to bolster the squad further. You can’t overlook that kind of continuity and depth.

Liverpool have recruited some exciting talents — technically gifted players with a lot of potential — but many of them lack Premier League experience and will likely need time to adjust. With several of them expected to start regularly, it could take a few games before they fully click.

As for Arsenal — they’re still Arsenal. After the Spurs friendly, Trossard came off with what looked like a thigh issue (possibly just a dead leg), and overall, they looked a bit leggy and unconvincing. There’s clear hope that Gyökeres will hit the ground running, but it’s still early days and they didn’t look sharp.

Newcastle and Villa haven’t really invested significantly yet — not compared to the clubs around them. It remains to be seen if their current squads can go again at the same level without that injection of fresh quality.

What really stood out to me, though, was our performance against Bournemouth. That was essentially the same team as last season — no new signings — and yet the level of improvement was clear. The patterns of play, the sharpness, the control… all of it showed growth. That kind of internal development is massive, especially when other clubs are relying on big signings to kick on
 
Insanity said:
Maybe "top" was a bit too much to ask for but if we can make a few sales then a GK to replace or provide competition to Onana and a young CM with potential is totally possible. Striker, report is that we don't need to make a sale to buy.

CCB might be too much, yes.
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I am with you on that though... I have always said, Onana will let us down. The CM is a problem but it seems we need to shift one, ideally Casemiro but that will be next season.

Its interesting because would you risk not having a CM this season and going with what we have or wait till Casemiro leaves and we go in for a Baleba next season?
 
Insanity said:
The S'ton kid is only 16, no?

I would love it if Heaven is deemed good enough to play CCB. Although, I think he'll get most of his starts as a LCB with Licha missing. With Maz, Yoro, Heaven, Licha, 'Arry and de Ligt we are good on numbers but I feel the team is sorely missing a strong & fast ball playing CB to play as CCB.

We need a defensive minded CM with ball playing skills to ideally partner Bruno or Mainoo. Don't think either of Case or Ugarte are good enough.
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You left Shaw out of your CB list. I agree we are good on numbers, so I'm not sure of the profile you are looking for with the CCB comment - which again is why I suggested the 16 year old. Maybe you could be more specific? I just don't see the need, or see why we would be attractive to someone unless they thought they could take De Ligt's position altogether.
 
There's still a lot of uncertainty around all the league at this point. Even with last year's top 3.

It will be a season where 80 points gets you the title and 55-65 points could get you 5th place and Champions League qualification.

If we can drastically improve our home form and just be more solid, picking up draws rather than losing, away from home (both big ifs I know) we won't be a million miles away from the top 5.
 
The league is so competitive now that it’s hard to predict where every team lands up at the end of a season, regardless of how well they did last season and/or how the transfer signings on paper look. Forest went from just about escaping relegation to almost getting in the Champions League in one year. City went from looking near invincible to looking very ordinary. Liverpool lose their greatest manager in the past 30 years but still win the title.

No European football and one game a week should be a considerable advantage we need to grab. The fact that we finished 15th should mean there’s some fire and hunger in the team, especially with more of the bad personalities leaving the team. Good players and young high potential players still want to join us as seen with Cunha and Mbeumo (reportedly Šeško too), even without European football.

We’re one year into a new modern regime that’s in line with everyone else. We’re signing high potential teenagers to our youth team. We’re not chasing marquee names Woodward style and we’ve been paying more sensible sums for players. We may overpay for players but then again what team doesn’t overpay objectively at times?
 
Squad-wise I think we are in that 5-8th area. Playing 8-15 games less this season should really help us focus on drilling this system and help us build fitness and hunger in these players. I like what im seeing this preseason.
 
lets be honest, the performance against Arsenal will be judged as season defining either way. The knee jerk reactions and hype / crisis situation is getting ever more extreme.
 
I'm more optimistic going into this season than last, which was clear was heading for disaster.

Would be difficult to be in worse front of goal next season with the signings of Cunha and Mbeumo.
 
If the team finally clicks to Amorim's system, this season is going to be fun.
 
Sesko, Cunha and Mbeumo = Top 4

If we can add Baleba and Donna = PL title challenge

Forget about 2028. We are going for Mission 21 next season!
 
I'm cautious we've had so many windows after which we felt we'll kick on but it never happened
 
Suv666 said:
I'm cautious we've had so many windows after which we felt we'll kick on but it never happened
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It's been a long time since we completely revamped our attack though. No more Rashford, Garnacho and Antony.
 
I think what's also exciting is that with the signings we have made and even the one's we are negotiating for, even if Ruben doesn't work out (I hope he does), then we seem to have improved the squad for whoever may come in. I don't think any of the players we have signed are 'specialist' players to Ruben's system. Good buys, lots of potential in the team - whatever the formation is.
 
Shark said:
It's been a long time since we completely revamped our attack though. No more Rashford, Garnacho and Antony.
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Yeah you're right and it's PL proven talent too no more someone doing it in Eredivise and failing in England.
In theory, we should be getting top 6 at least but this team has given me so much trauma I'm wary.

It's the first time in years I'm excited for a PL season
 
Cypriot said:
I think what's also exciting is that with the signings we have made and even the one's we are negotiating for, even if Ruben doesn't work out (I hope he does), then we seem to have improved the squad for whoever may come in. I don't think any of the players we have signed are 'specialist' players to Ruben's system. Good buys, lots of potential in the team - whatever the formation is.
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100%, no old players looking for their last fat contract and players to suit different formations and styles.
 
Plenty of things to get excited about:
- amazing window so far
- opponent team finally worries about us
- exciting, great talents in our squad
- a really great personality as our manager (who now needs success obviously)
- kicking out all the annoying and unprofessional players
- sense of togetherness and professionalism

On the non footballing side, Ineos continues to build an amazing structure, invests in the right talent and places, and try to get our finances in order
 
We have to start fast, fixture list is tough until October.
We’re building a team though, loving how we’re linked with a midfielder and goalkeeper.
I think we finish top 4 personally. Up the reds !!!
 
I am starting to feel optimistic about a good season, not necessarily wining the title but maybe a cup win or good runs at least. If we can somehow get Baleba and possibly a keeper, I think I might be able to enjoy watching Unjted again.
 
Cypriot said:
I think what's also exciting is that with the signings we have made and even the one's we are negotiating for, even if Ruben doesn't work out (I hope he does), then we seem to have improved the squad for whoever may come in. I don't think any of the players we have signed are 'specialist' players to Ruben's system. Good buys, lots of potential in the team - whatever the formation is.
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Cunha and Dorgu for sure are more of the specialists, not sure how they fit in 433, that’s £100M outlay on potentially unsuited players for the next guy through the door
 
So the transfer business and mood about the club this summer definitely FEELS a bit different and more exciting.

I'm sure that will be wiped out once we get battered in 4 of our 5 opening games, and scrape an undeserved win against Burnley where the man of the match is me for managing to sit through it, but for now, it FEELS different.
 
noodlehair said:
So the transfer business and mood about the club this summer definitely FEELS a bit different and more exciting.

I'm sure that will be wiped out once we get battered in 4 of our 5 opening games, and scrape an undeserved win against Burnley where the man of the match is me for managing to sit through it, but for now, it FEELS different.
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Kinda like when you sit on your hand and put it to sleep and then...nevermind.
 
Im getting more optimistic, very happy with our three signings. I think we need to get some sales, its sad but ive comes to accept that Garnacho might as well get sold, make way for a CM and new goalkeeper, I would ideally also like to see a few other sales.

I love Zirkzee but can't see him getting much starting time, so wonder if it's best to cash in.
 
JediSith said:
Im getting more optimistic, very happy with our three signings. I think we need to get some sales, its sad but ive comes to accept that Garnacho might as well get sold, make way for a CM and new goalkeeper, I would ideally also like to see a few other sales.

I love Zirkzee but can't see him getting much starting time, so wonder if it's best to cash in.
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I don't get the sentiment to call it quits on Zirkzee already. Dude put up better numbers per minute than Rasmus in G+A and has hardly even played a full season for us. Obviously if we get an aggressive offer and we need the money then we should listen but otherwise i can't see the need to actively promote his sale at this pt.
 
Rajma said:
Cunha and Dorgu for sure are more of the specialists, not sure how they fit in 433, that’s £100M outlay on potentially unsuited players for the next guy through the door
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I think Cunha could play on the left in a 433 or as a 10 in a 442.

I think this season is at least one too early for us to challenge for anything. I have decided to try and take a relaxed approach to this season, and try to enjoy the fact that we have a really exciting team and lots of potential. What I expect to see is continuous improvement throughout the season, but I still feel we will have lots of games where it feels like it's not working. The game against Everton was one of those.
 
If we sort out our GK and CM spots, I am confident that we will pull a top 4/5 to get the last UCL spot. This season
 
Rajma said:
Cunha and Dorgu for sure are more of the specialists, not sure how they fit in 433, that’s £100M outlay on potentially unsuited players for the next guy through the door
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Dorgu barely played WB before arriving here, he mainly played LB and RW at Lecce. Cunha has played plenty across the attacking positions.
 
dogwithabone said:
That’s the spirit ! I’m really excited for this season and I think we can get at least top five. Liverpool look very strong but Arsenal, City, Chelsea? People are talking like they’re prime Brazil c1970. City were shite for a third of last season, Arsenal can’t win a bloody raffle and Chelsea are only ever three consecutive defeats away from sacking their manager. Roll on that first game, I cannot wait and am full of hope that we will be heading back in at least the right direction. I’d hate to be a fan who’s all doom and gloom two weeks before the off. Cunha, Sesko and Mbuemo - how the hell can you not wait to see that strike force in full flow !
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Every area of the team is full of serious question marks. For us to finish top 5, nearly all of them have to turn out positively. This does not seem likely. We should be in the fight for the Europa League places, that I would consider a realistic and reasonable level of expectation.
 
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