THE next time someone quotes that stat about how this is Manchester United’s worst start to a season since 1989, tell them where to stick it.
For all those who claim it’s their poorest opening in 34 years are wrong. It isn’t.
EPAErik ten Hag’s side fell to an embarrassing defeat to Galatasaray[/caption]
EPAManchester United have had their worst start to a season for 34 years[/caption]
GettyCasemiro was sent off late on in the 3-2 defeat[/caption]
This one is far worse… it’s just that the sheer numbers alone don’t tell the whole story.
You see back then, expectations amongst United fans were vastly different to now. Back then maybe there would be a decent Cup run.
Perhaps even silverware, given a kind draw or two. Plus the regular win over Liverpool, as they always seemed to manage.
Yet as much as they hoped, no-one really believed there would be much more to celebrate come May.
Certainly nothing like the current day. But it somehow didn’t really matter TOO much. Not like now. For a couple of reasons.
Firstly, whatever the result, you were guaranteed entertainment from a team that cared.
Players who looked like defeat hurt them as much as anyone in the United Road Paddock.
But also the fact supporters knew the team was heading in the right direction. Perhaps only with baby steps, but the right direction.
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Not everyone was convinced they had the right man to steer the ship, as astonishing as it seems given what Sir Alex Ferguson would eventually amass.
Yet they were building and strengthening, things were improving, year on year.
The summer of 89 brought the golden trio of Gary Pallister, Paul Ince and Neil Webb to Old Trafford.
England’s best ball-playing centre back, it’s grittiest midfielder – behind new team-mate Bryan Robson – and arguably the division’s silkiest passer. Speedster Danny Wallace was soon added too.
It wasn’t about who they missed out on or never chased, like Harry Kane and Declan Rice.
And even though there were always more troughs than peaks, fans knew it would change, it would get better eventually.
They didn’t have recent title-winning memories to convince them their club – for some reason – deserved more.
GettyMan Utd stars have continued to flop this season[/caption]
ReutersAndre Onana made a huge error before Casemiro’s sending off[/caption]
Expectations didn’t exceed the achievable.
Not like modern-day Reds. It may be a decade since they last flew a title flag here, but they’ve not endured a relegation, other years spent flirting with the basement.
This lot, the 21st century boys, is a United packed with World Cup winners, European champions of old, national captains, national heroes.
Back then it was all about Bruce and Pallister, Keane and Robbo, Hughes and McClair. Ones who, win, lose or draw, cared.
Who would battle. They might go down but not without a fight.
This lot? A social media apology, then move on. And next week force feed another load of bull about how they will get it right.
Fair play to Rafa Varane for keeping a straight face in claiming they could be the best team in Europe.
The truth is they’re the worst team in Group A.
Gutless, hopeless and increasingly bloody hopeless.
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