I agree that the fanbase is generally far too negative, and the moaning on here can be grating at the best of times. Couple that with the excessively loyal and passive match going fans, and we have had a recipe for disaffection and passivity over the last decade.
But with that said, it is now time for us to draw on those traits to do what is needed at this club. The last ten years have taught us the folly of siding with players over managers, of the pervasiveness and toxicity of player power, and of the acceptance of mediocrity. It really is time for us all to heed Fergie's words, and stand behind our manager. Because he will need it, and even if some don't see it, we need it too.
Then there is the moaning and the grumbling inherent to the online fanbase. The fanbase, which more than any other section of our support, demands the big signings. The show stoppers. And when they don't get it, having a good old moan. Well now is the time to turn that ire on a gruesomely failed showbiz, galatico strategy, that has led to player power, and dysfunction, and to instead demand a team built in the image of the manager. A team fit for purpose, not one fit for maximum social media hits.
And that brings us to dear old Paul. He came with the razzle dazzle of a world record signing. He came with the promise of restoring the glory days. Of taking United back to the top. But no-one can ever argue that is has been anything other than an unmitigated failure. He's collected 90m in wages, and delivered precious little on the field. He cost us a further 89m in transfer fees, and 16m in agent fees. He hasn't delivered. At times he hasn't be used properly, but aside from low pressure moments, he also has never shown the commitment, or professionalism to make the most of his gifts. He has come to embody everything that is wrong with modern day Manchester United. All style and no substance.
The best thing about his departure, aside from the 300K saved a week, are the hopeful end to the incessant debates about what his best position is, how to use him, or the old classic "who do we need to sign to unlock Pogba's potential?"
He is gone, and on the field he won't be missed. I am hoping his departure signals the start of a new direction, a new mentality. The refusal to accept mediocrity or over indulgence. And the reawakening of Manchester United as a football club, rather than a marketing company.
Well, one can hope....
