The new era begins at Manchester United (Again)

The man with the golden balls – Louis Van Gaal, will lead out a new Manchester United at Old Trafford tomorrow with the weight of every fan on his shoulders. Many expect the ‘good times’ to return, including myself, however I feel that the current squad of players is simply not good enough to challenge for the title. Or even achieve a top four finish. If we fail to bring in the numbers we need I fear for us and the Manchester United dream.

We should be challenging for the title and letting everyone know about it, the talk of ‘transition’ was an excuse for mediocrity among our team last season and the players that failed the most remain with our hopes pinned on them. This summer has seen our EVC Ed Woodward claim we have an ‘unlimited budget’ and to ‘watch this space’ for transfers. Since he made those remarks more players have actually left the club than have joined and the squad we have been left with is weaker now than it was at the end of the season.

I am not saying this to vent anger, or to demand we sign *insert ludicrously overpriced player A or B* but for the hope that Van Gaal performs a miracle and lands us in a top four position come the end of the season. That’s what we need, a miracle. Over the last 14 months many mistakes have been made throughout the club; but what hurts as a fan the most is that these have not been learnt from.

We go into the season backing the team and staff fully, which is expected of every fan, yet waiting for that first mistake to be made. This is not how Manchester United should be. The feelings among fans are a volatile mix of hope, denial and disappointment which have been induced by the empty claims made by Woodward throughout the summer and his failure to deliver. I could talk about each and every mistake he has made this summer however I lack both the time and patience to waste on such a **** up.

We will go into the season hoping for the best, expecting the worst and playing Tom Cleverley in central midfield.