After the debacle of appointing Moyes I was delighted that we managed to secure the services of a manger of the stature of LVG - a man with an impeccable record of success in domestic an European football. His first season was all about stabilising the club and securing a top four finish, not just to secure a return to the CL, but also to safeguard the Adidas sponsorship deal which was on the point of collapse - all of which he managed.
Like so many others, I expected the team to kick-on this term having had a promising pre-season and some good signings (on paper) brought in. I had some reservations about letting both RvP and Hernandez go, but was happy to trust in the manager's judgement. That expected improvement simply hasn't materialised and it is clear that what at first appeared to be a temporary, faltering style of play was in fact a deliberate game plan of possession football devoid of any invention or attacking flair. It is that, more than anything else that has alienated so many fans and frustrated the talents of a good many of our players.
I have supported this club since the mid- 60's - there have been many highs and lows along the way - but one the constant throughout those decades has been the attacking game that all of our sides have played - that is what we are known for around the world, that is why hundreds of thousands of fans in Malaysia and elsewhere in the far east stay up in to the small hours to watch our games live (I worked out there for several years before you ask) that's why bars open early in Boston and New York just to show our games - that's why we have the biggest global fanbase - because of our attacking style of play.
Even when we lost there was a sense that we had gone down all guns blazing - the United way. Yes, there were always dull and dreary fixtures and the odd inexplicably poor game, but they were generally the exception, but under LVG, the reverse is true - one half decent result at the weekend and he thinks our troubles are over - but they're not.
I admire LVG for what he has achieved, I have even felt sorry for him these last few weeks having watched his press conferences - but at the end of the day it is all about providing entertainment for the millions of fans. Lose that and we become just another club.