For the better part of 12 years, the Manchester United faithful have craved stability and momentum in management, playing style and results.
From David Moyes to Erik ten Hag and the six different chiefs in between, the recognised definition of success has altered from stability to perennial advancement and demands for a title-challenging outfit.
However, the most common occurrence has been the requirement for a reaction, with dips in form and unexplainable stagnation dampening the spirits of a wounded Old Trafford.
Ruud van Nistelrooy injected some much-needed positivity during his brief chapter before the arrival of Ruben Amorim signalled the dawn of a new day in the North West.
Expectedly, his insistence on retaining the unique philosophy that spearheaded his Sporting monster resulted in a disheartening descent down the Premier League table as many questioned his suitability for the English game.
But the 40-year-old is no stranger to adversity, and his perseverance with his tactical ideals is beginning to yield green shoots in Manchester.
Ahead of a trip to the City Ground on April 1st, we revisit what has been a positive reaction from an FA Cup penalty defeat to Fulham, with a period of football that appears to highlight green shoots emerging in Manchester.
A Spanish showing presented a hint of momentum for Manchester United
Although the travelling Reds were left frustrated with a draw in a partisan Real Sociedad setting, the opening 70 minutes offered a glimpse of the capabilities of this injury-ravaged side.
Joshua Zirkzee opened the lead with a fine finish on the night, inadvertently catapulting his abundant ability and potential into the minds of a previously uncertain debate.
Inevitably, VAR played its part in supplying a penalty lifeline to the hosts, as is often the case in this fixture, with a raucous Basque arena baying for the blood of their English guest.
However, United held firm and ensured a level playing field on their return to Manchester, with a promising performance and acceptable result when considering the tempestuous nature of this downtrodden group.
With three days to prepare for the arrival of Premier League-chasing Arsenal, a hint of momentum had surfaced within the ranks of the 20-time English champions.
A quickfire case of what could have been in Manchester
On a day when the supporter base joined forces to protest the idle mismanagement of the owners, Amorim prepared for the arrival of Mikel Arteta.
Although the Gunners dominated possession during the early proceedings, a dogged Manchester defence was structured and confident, limiting Arsenal to next to nothing in the attacking third.
Bruno Fernandes sent Old Trafford into delirium with a sublime free-kick in first-half stoppage time, only for Declan Rice to equalise with 15 minutes remaining with a rare opportunity.
Truthfully, the home side could have been out of sight at that stage, having created an abundance of eye-catching opportunities while controlling the vast majority of the second half.
Arteta required the heroics of a David Raya double-stop in injury time to salvage a point as Manchester United earned back-to-back performances of some merit.
A deserved result against a potentially troublesome opponent
Say what you will about the underwhelming performances of Sociedad over the two-legged affair. But you can only beat what is in front of you, and a 4-1 Europa League victory against any La Liga side is not to be sneered at.
Despite another Mikel Oyarzabal penalty, United were cool, composed, and calculated in their attacking efforts. Bruno collected a deserved hat-trick, and Diogo Dalot hammered a fourth home in the dying minutes.
It was a fixture when the Manchester side displayed their muscle, with Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu emphasising his value in an Amorim system and the bond between Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund growing – the latter collected a brace of assists on the evening.
Notably, the transitions from defence to attack were smooth, and the home support witnessed ample evidence of a growing understanding of their manager’s philosophy.
Winning breeds momentum, and the group appeared to be enjoying themselves.
Three and easy for Amorim and his United bunch
On a high from their Continental showing, Ruben guided his men to the King Power Stadium for a reunion with Ruud.
Unfortunately for the former fan favourite, United gained three points and three goals without entering third gear. It was a damning indictment of the precarious standing of the Foxes but further evidence of the growing comradery within this Manchester outfit.
Hojlund deservedly notched his first goal since December before Alejandro Garnacho opened his domestic account under Amorim with a second.
As we have come to expect this season, Fernandes added a third with a splendid long-range effort, compounding the misery on Van Nistelrooy before a distraught home crowd.
Ahead of a stern test at the City ground, this team must utilise the momentum they have earned with their recent efforts.
In Bruno Fernandes, the Reds possess a leader graced with the polish of a god. He has a supporting cast that appears ready and able to offer their all during the business end of a catastrophic season.
Ultimately, time will tell if this has been a flash in the pan for Amorim or if his intricate ideals are indeed playing out in the North West. For the troubled fanbase of Manchester United, there is a collective hope for the latter.
How do you feel about the momentum earned in recent weeks?
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