When Wayne Rooney lifted the Europa League trophy aloft in Stockholm on May 24, 2017, even the most pessimistic Manchester United supporter could not have imagined that the club would enter 2023 without having won a trophy since.
But as we prepare to flip over our calendars in just over a fortnight's time and welcome in another New Year, United's pursuit of their latest piece of silverware remains ongoing. The last five years have brought plenty of challenges and obstacles for the Reds, resulting in negative headlines and dark clouds being a permanent fix above Old Trafford.
But following a cultural reset in the summer, inspired by the appointment of Erik ten Hag, there is hope and optimism that 2023 might just be the year when those dark clouds begin to lift, paving the way for brighter skies to generate happier times. Although United are only a few months into the Ten Hag era, significant improvements have been made on the pitch.
READ MORE: United fans have uncomfortable takeover question to answer after delivering Glazer verdict
Despite the odd bad day at the office, the Reds have offered plenty of encouragement and optimism under the Dutchman so far, meaning there is genuine hope that the club can finally bring an end to its trophy drought next year, regardless of what competition it might come in. But for all of the positive strides United have made on the pitch since the summer, anger has continued to be vented at those at the very, very top of the club.
Countless protests, either big or small, have been staged against the Glazers so far this season, the biggest of which was conducted ahead of the Reds' 2-1 win over Liverpool in August. Thousands of United fans marched through the surrounding streets of Old Trafford, venting their frustrations towards the American owners, urging them to bring their 17-year ownership of the club to an end and put up the 'for sale' sign.
Exactly three months to the date since that mass protest was staged, United, on November 22, issued a statement, confirming that the Glazers had put the club up for sale.
"Manchester United plc, one of the most successful and historic sports clubs in the world, announces today that the Company's Board of Directors (the 'Board') is commencing a process to explore strategic alternatives for the club," the statement read. "The process is designed to enhance the club's future growth, with the ultimate goal of positioning the club to capitalise on opportunities both on the pitch and commercially.
"As part of this process, the Board will consider all strategic alternatives, including new investment into the club, a sale, or other transactions involving the Company. This will include an assessment of several initiatives to strengthen the club, including stadium and infrastructure redevelopment, and expansion of the club’s commercial operations on a global scale, each in the context of enhancing the long-term success of the club's men's, women's and academy teams, and bringing benefits to fans and other stakeholders."
After years of protesting and trying to drive the Glazers away, United's supporters must now be feeling as though they are on the home straight and within touching distance of getting their wish. Avram Glazer has since confirmed that takeover talks remain ongoing, although no timeframe on when a deal could be completed by has been set.
Despite the uncertainty of that particular element, Ten Hag, unlike most other managers would, has been happy to address the situation and the prospect of possible takeover or fresh investment from elsewhere. Many managers, nowadays, would swerve talking about such topic, instead choosing to focus on on-field matters and nothing else.
"Richard Arnold told me they (the Glazers)'re open and transparent," said Ten Hag. "I was informed by the club but I'm not talking with the owners about this issue. My information is that it will only be good things because there will be more investment possible, which is good.
"We spoke about the culture we want. We spoke about objectives, goals and the culture and he (Arnold) confirmed it won't change, it will be even better because more money will become available for this project."
Although United officially released a statement to confirm the Glazers' plans last month, meaning it is much more than just speculation this time, Ten Hag deserves credit for talking so openly about the prospect of fresh investment. His admission is bound to increase excitement levels within the fan base, offering hope for a much brighter and positive future.
United's fans, in recent years, have demanded a much greater level of communication and transparency from the club, meaning Ten Hag's verdict of the situation is bound to have earned him even more support from those who fill Old Trafford every week. The Dutchman has brought a freshness to M16 and his willingness to address this subject so openly proves it.
READ NEXT:
