The key is to manage expectations

[crossy1686]

I’ve accepted we’ll most likely finish 5th or 4th next season. I’m not convinced there’s a plan apart from backing Ten Hag as much as it works for the management around him and then booting him once people start to question their ability to recruit or run a football club.

It’s still early in the summer but the fact we haven’t got any transfers lined up means the time we spent with Rangnick was a total waste.

 

[yumtum]

The title of this thread is good but the idea is quite off.

When I look at the threads here and in Twitter, I feel that the meaning of the word fan is no longer true. A fan always gets behind the team, supporting them, regardless of whether they will challenge for titles or not. Obviously they will make remarks if the team's performances are not good, but if the team gives a better performance in the next game, they will be happy for that as well. They will be interested in seeing signings, but even if there isn't, they are willing to see optimism in other ways. I have supported this club during SAF days, Moyes, LVG, Jose, Ole, Rangnick etc and I have enjoyed all the victories during their time with the same amount of optimism. Obviously this season has been one of the worst in terms of performances but there is room for optimism in terms of a new manager, redefined football operational structure and great progress in the academy.

The people we see here and in Twitter are not fans of the club, rather, they are fans of the club's historical success. They act more like investors who have invested a large sum of the money in the club and expect to see success overnight. We can't call them plastics since their pride and ego is too huge to let go of this club, but we also can't call them fans since their interest is only in the club's success. Its like they want Manchester United to win every game so that they can pump their chest in front of others. My only advice to these group of people is to learn to have some optimism. If you can't, then don't spoil the optimism of true fans by posting baseless posts.

Says the true red thumping his chest to the fans who show genuine concern for the state their club has been in for the past decade.

You'll find it's fans like you that enable the state this club is I'm with your apathy, you think Madrid fans would be clapping and cheering their players being unable to make a 5 years forward pass, or to chase after a ball? No, they cheer and whistle, because they know the standard of their club and they ensurthe players don't forget it.

What do you think happens to millionaires when they've been told since before they were teens that they were amazing and could do no wrong, then when they're adults getting paid absolute fortunes, putting I'm disgraceful performances every week yet still get cheered? They believe they're not doing anything wrong and question the fans atmosphere at the club when some fans start to get negative towards them.

I've been a supporter of this club since as far as I can remember, I just like to see good football, and that's not happened since the last few years of SAF, winning is just a bonus, so for a snotty little top red like you to tell other fans how they should support a club, and that they're only glory hunters if they don't gargle before swallowing whatever the leaches at this club feed them, is beyo arrogant.

Get your head out of the sand and the club may set some standards at some point in the future.

 

[Newtonius]

Taking too long on a deal for a player who doesn't even want to be here.

Can't convinge a youngster to join in what was meant to be a straightforward deal.

Hear things like "you know those 3 other positions that was widely reported to be filled, uh yeah they depend on player sales now, except we can't sell anyone as nobody wants them will only take straight loans".

There is only so much you can "manage expectations" as it falls through the floor. Even for those that were willing to give the new recruitment team the benefit of the doubt that patience is being well and truly tested at this point.

Edit: There is just loads to do and we were in for a rebuild, 1 or 2 players is not a rebuild it will paper over the cracks.

 

[Van Piorsing]

Expectations were subverted by the higher structure in the club. Lowering it to the ambtionless state is exactly what they want. Managing it correctly would be to protest against averageness, especially after hiring a somewhat decent manager.

First season could be bumpy, though... Clearout must be continued at some point and right recruitment is also key. To much to do in just one summer to achieve desired state and it's what bugs me the most.

 

[Tavern in the town]

I’ve just contacted Malcom Glazer via Ouija board and he tells me he’s pulling himself off in his coffin while reading this OP.