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.
This story is from the December 29, 2023 edition of Manchester Evening News.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the December 29, 2023 edition of Manchester Evening News.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Youngster Toby open to Old Trafford January exit
UNITED midfielder Toby Collyer is open to a move to a Championship club this month if a suitable offer emerges.
Even United's 'untouchables' are not safe
SIR Jim Ratcliffe hasn't been afraid of making difficult decisions in his 11 months in charge at Old Trafford, and if a good offer arrives for Kobbie Mainoo or Alejandro Garnacho this month, you can be certain sentimentality won't be priced into the equation.
Young forward recalled from Latics loan move
UNITED have recalled striker Joe Hugill from Wigan Athletic.
Club chiefs ready to play hardball on new contracts
UNITED'S efforts to comply with the Premier League's profitability and sustainability rules could force them to sell one of their homegrown players.
Josh may not be success, but he deserves respect
REGARDLESS of your opinion of Joshua Zirkzee as a footballer and whether United should have signed him, the chances are you felt sorry for him as he faced a chorus of boos from his own supporters when he was substituted in the first half against Newcastle at Old Trafford last week.
Rash could be feeling pressure of 'being local'
FORMER United winger Lee Sharpe believes the pressures of being a local player could be one of the reasons Marcus Rashford wants to quit Old Trafford.
Frankfurt's message to Txiki: 'Show us the money
YOU know you are trying to buy a player from the Bundesliga when there are quotes from the selling club's executives in the papers every day.
RIO HAPPY WITH DESIRE IN ANFIELD CLASH
UNITED legend Rio Ferdinand has praised the effort and desire the Reds showed in Sunday's 2-2 draw with Liverpool, insisting the players now have an understanding of what Ruben Amorim expects.
Numbers all add up for Omar to make switch
THERE was a moment shortly after Jack Grealish signed for City back in 2021 when he walked into the dressing room at the Etihad Stadium to see his new shirt for the first time.
Striker needed who can make big IMPACT
AT least Ruben Amorim has promised United will 'try to do something. Goals win games and the Reds do not have a goalscorer. They have won two games in nine and scored 11.
