THERE have been so many corners turned at United this season that the players and staff could be forgiven for feeling a sense of dizziness. It's been a campaign of extremes and false dawns.
But there's no doubt the festive period bought renewed hope. The confirmation of Sir Jim Ratcliffe's minority investment into the club on Christmas Eve and then a restorative, feel-good success against Aston Villa on Boxing Day. Reds fans got their presents either side of Christmas Day this year.
The manner of that win against Villa, coming with Sir Dave Brailsford sitting in the directors' box, felt positive.
There was a return to form for Marcus Rashford, a clinical edge from Alejandro Garnacho and a first Premier League goal for Rasmus Hojund. Having looked like a team in disarray at the break, the night ended with momentum firmly behind Erik ten Hag and his players.
The problem is, we've been here before and on the evidence of what this season has produced, those supporters making the trip to the City Ground on Saturday could just as easily be seeking refunds for the hope that Christmas has given them by the time 2023 comes to an end.
In United's season of boom or bust - 12 wins, 13 defeats and just two draws there have been successes that have been declared turning points before. They weren't.
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der December 29, 2023-Ausgabe von Manchester Evening News.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent ? Anmelden
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der December 29, 2023-Ausgabe von Manchester Evening News.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent? Anmelden
Suspect 'known to victim' as two dead in stabbing
POLICE DESCRIBE DOUBLE KILLING AS 'ISOLATED' AS THEY REASSURE SHOCKED COMMUNITY
Red dawn as boss Amorim takes training
RUBEN Amorim will take training as United head coach for the first time today after his visa to officially start work in the role was approved.
Lollipop man Barry has job he'll stick at
A LOLLIPOP man has become the fifth member of his family to take on the job.
STAR-STUDDED GALA RAISES RECORD SUM TO AID CHILDREN
MOVIE stars joined TV favourites and football legends in Manchester at the city's biggest fundraising ball for another record-breaking night.
Why Reds should Let Leny sink or swim at Ipswich
'THERE IS NO REASON TO EASE YORO INTO ACTION'
Player audit shows need for squad 'surgery' in January
CITY LOOK A PLAYER SHORT IN DEFENCE, MIDFIELD AND ATTACK
I didn't make it at City but now I'm worth £83m
FORMER RIGHT-BACK REECE WABARA SHOWED FLAIR AT ETIHAD ACADEMY BUT EVEN MORE AS A BUSINESSMAN IN FASHION
Rory's World best wins the race again
RORY McIlroy finished the 2024 season in style by adding his third DP World Tour Championship win after winning the sixth Race to Dubai title of his career.
Carsley signs off in style with rout against Ireland
INTERIM boss Lee Carsley signed off in style as England capitalised on Liam Scales' sending off in a 5-0 thrashing of the Republic of Ireland that sealed promotion back to the Nations League top tier.
Bizet's maiden goal helps Reds end run
CELIN Bizet scored her maiden United goal to help them break their three-match winless run with a 2-0 victory over Leicester in the Women's Super League.
