Ahead of the last Premier League game of the season Manchester United find themselves sat in third place with a place in next season’s Champions League all dependent on a result against Leicester City.
In what has been a rollercoaster ride of a season for the Reds, I want to take a look back at five of the most memorable moments of the campaign.
Opening game of the Premier League season vs Chelsea
Manchesetr United began the Premier League season with a tough fixture hosting Frank Lampard’s Blues at Old Trafford. The game was seen as a battle between two teams aiming for top-four – a battle of which continued throughout the campaign. United began the season in top form with a thumping 4-0 win but it was the new signing, Dan James, who was to make the biggest impact.
James, who sadly lost his father just days before signing for United, came off the bench to score on his debut in front of the Stretford End – the stuff of dreams. But it was the reaction of every United player who swarmed the young man in a great show of support that made it a heart-warming moment.
Four days in December
Early in December United had the challenge of facing Spurs at home and Man City away in the space of a few days. This week supplied United supporters with the belief that the club was finally going in the right direction. In what was seen as must-win games for Solskjaer many fans were worried beforehand. Jose Mourinho had just taken over Spurs and was out to prove a point against the man who had essentially took his job. But it wasn’t to be. Marcus Rashford made it a forgettable return to Old Trafford for the Portuguese manager in a 2-1 win for the home side.
Going on from the Spurs game United fans had gained a little more hope for the trip to the Etihad. United went on to claim the three points courtesy of the growing strike partnership – Rashford and Martial. A dominant first-half display showed what United were capable of on their day. The result was to become a glimpse of things to come in the United-City rivalry for the season.
The best January signing since Vidic and Evra?
With United lacking some creativity pre-January the rumours of signing Bruno Fernandes from Sporting Lisbon began. United were sniffing around the player in the summer transfer window but nothing had come of it. With 7 goals and 7 assists in 13 PL appearances since his arrival – the Portuguese playmaker has already become a fan favourite at the club. United fans will be hoping that the board continue to invest in players with the attitude and ability of Fernandes.
United 2 – 0 City
What turned out to be the last Old Trafford game in front of a crowd this season potentially ended up being the best possible match for the occasion. United were on a 9-game unbeaten streak going into the match and confidence was sky-high. A 40-yard strike from Scott McTominay received arguably the loudest eruption of noise in Old Trafford in several years. What almost felt like a turning point in United’s rivalry with City in recent years – the win made it 3 wins from 4 meetings vs the blue side of Manchester!
A newfound belief
Whether or not United are to play in the Champions League next season depends all on themselves. Although it is crucial to United’s future development, and a competition every elite club wishes to be a part of – it has still been a joy to watch United at times this season! The emergence of youth players combined with exciting signings have shown the characteristics of United of old. Hopefully next season the club can get their hands on a trophy (that’s if we don’t win the Europa League)!
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