Although a traumatic Premier League campaign may have passed into the history books, the memory of the worst domestic season since 1973-1974 has left an indelible mark on the Manchester United supporter.
For Ruben Amorim and his backroom team, work has already begun towards formulating a successful summer that will aid his meticulous philosophy.
As we know, success in football is never guaranteed. However, with the ever-watching eyes of Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his Ineos team looming large, a dramatic shift in fortunes is the minimal expectation for a squad devoid of character.
The acquisition of Matheus Cunha is a promising start to a critical transfer window, and a highly publicised pursuit of Bryan Mbeumo could signify the ultimate show of strength for a side without European football following a 15th-place finish.
As a result, a glimmer of positivity has surfaced within subsections of a wounded Manchester fanbase as a limp attacking unit receives a necessary upgrade.
But, given the nature of damage caused during a shameful campaign of misfiring forwards and calamitous goalkeeping errors, what are the expectations within the ranks of the Old Trafford faithful?
Supporter expectations for Manchester United and Ruben Amorim
Steve Cleary, Bedfordshire (48)
“Where do I bloody well start? You know, I can’t wrap my head around what we’ve witnessed. Where was the spirit, the fight, the passion – where the hell was it?!
“I like Ruben [Amorim] and I really hope he succeeds. But I do have my reservations about this three-at-the-back and the lack of Manchester United wingers – it’s what we grew up with. Full-fledged wingers and full-backs tearing down the wing.
“What are my expectations? Well, I want to see a team that cares about the badge and the bums in the seats. That should be the least we get. A few of my mates have spent time watching Sporting and what Ruben achieved. If he can get us playing half of that, I think we’ll surprise a few.
“We need to be playing in Europe, and no more of this Europa League – we are Manchester United, we belong in the Champions League. So, I would expect us to challenge and compete for a top-four spot and maybe a cup run. I mean, we have no distractions mid-week, so it’s now or never for this new management team.
“Let’s see what he’s all about when he’s had a pre-season and got some of his players in. I hope he pulls it off, but I am sceptical.”
John O’Dwyer, Dublin (37)
“It’s got to be top four! I know people will say any form of European football should suffice after the season we’ve had, but I believe there is talent in this squad. It’s all about confidence (or a lack of).
“Amorim knows what he’s doing, and he’s not had a wet week. Far too many people are throwing in the towel on the man already. I understand the frustration, and he needs to sprint out of the blocks, but he needs this pre-season and a decent transfer window behind him.
“We saw little glimpses of what an Amorim team can achieve last season. In all honesty, if it wasn’t for a youthful frontline with [Alejandro] Garnacho and [Rasmus] Hojlund being crucified in the media and across socials every day, we could have seen so much more.
“When you take Cunha, Mbeumo and maybe [Viktor] Gyokeres, and add them to the likes of Bruno [Fernandes], Amad and the youthful spirit in defence, that’s a formidable lineup. I also believe Licha was a huge miss last season.
“So, I would expect a serious run at the Champions League places and another tilt at Wembley.”
Riaz Pirzada, Karachi (19)
“I expect a big response from this team, and I think Bruno staying is a massive statement.
“We all know it has not been good enough, and the players will surely know this also. Some must go, like Garnacho, [Marcus] Rashford and such, but there are so many promising youngsters in the squad and Amorim is an advocate for utilising the academy.
“I believe the lack of European football will play a big role in developing confidence, momentum and clarity within the Theatre of Dreams. But we need to return to competing at the highest level against the biggest teams in Europe. We are Manchester United. Bring back those wonderful nights against Real Madrid, Barcelona and Bayern Munich.
“I know you will laugh, but I have a feeling we are going to see something special. Don’t be surprised to see United back in the top four with plenty of goals from Cunha and Mbeumo.”
Jeff Thorpe, Victoria (24)
“It’s got to be top four and in there off the back of deserved points from promising performances. We need results to improve, but we bloody well need a recognisable identity!
“I’ve followed the continental game for years – Spain, Germany, Italy, Portugal – and I was over the moon when Amorim arrived. Totally honest, I couldn’t believe we nicked him mid-season.
“Supporters need to understand that he needs time, patience and backing from those above him. Who honestly thought he was going to wave a magic wand and fix everything in a handful of months?
“You will see a lot more after some off time with a proper pre-season and additions like Cunha and Mbeumo. By the way, how Manchester United is that to pull those two after finishing 15th!?
“I’m expecting the top four and if we can add another trophy along the way, all the better. I think we will see a totally different side in 2025-26.”
You can have your say about Manchester United, Ruben Amorim and your expectations for the upcoming season.
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Primary photo by operations@newsimages.co.uk via depositphotos.com
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