There are so much factors that go into a league finish that it simply doesn't make sense to define such a target. What if Chelsea starts to really click, Arsenal goes all out for a title clash with Liverpool and City is hitting back very strongly after a rather bad year. What then? If we'd play well the whole season you'd then be disappointed because we didn't catch those teams that are further in their journey than we are? Thats bonkers. We had the perfect example of how not to draw the conclusions right there - the 2nd place with Ole, based on your logic, we should be happy with that. And many were and thought it meant something. But the underlying numbers suggested we weren't the 2nd best team in our league, we just happenend to grind out the 2nd best results in one competition for a year. That is good but it was all but a good indicator of where we were as a team.
The first thing we have to accept is, where we are, what we are good at, what we are bad at. Then we have to work on that. There is no point putting sand in our eyes deluding ourselves that because we are mighty ManUnited we have some claim for success as long as we don't make overly many mistakes. Again, I didn't say I want to tolerate a ETH-like 2nd season with progress that is hardly recognizable going in the right direction combined with poor results. But the progress is way more important now than a good result here and there. So many were clamouring for results last season, look where it got us - now we have a new manager but he has a harder time to implement his ideas because he has bullshit EL games during the week, games where we play mostly lose-lose games that, when we win are self-evident and when we lose are a disgrace and most of the time inbetween is spent on regeneration. For a trophy most fans look down on.
Even more shortsighted than expecting certain positions next season. But again, you are obviously entitled to any opinion as is everybody else. I just think, those sort of statements are nothing but hot air that never really create anything positive. I mean, everybody will be thrilled if we end up with a good result this year and/or next year. There is just nothing in pointing out the obvious. But as soon as we start expecting stuff, we add pressure. And don't get me wrong, I am not against pressure but lets put the pressure where it matters - making progress as a team and setting us up to improve our performances year after year after year.
Low expectations is the last thing that should replied here as it is the polar opposite.