Manchester United’s fall from grace over the past years has justifiably sparked plenty of amusement amongst fans of rival clubs.
While detailing the list of reasons why United have slipped could fill a library, the club has every reason to head into the season with renewed optimism.
A quick look at today betting tips with odds paints a concerning picture for United, with the club a mere afterthought in the outright market for the Premier League.
Odds of 28/1 to win the title would have been unthinkable a few years ago, but the bookmakers are happy to dismiss them as potential contenders.
While sportsbook operators rarely get things wrong, they would be well advised not to completely write off the Red Devils’ chances of achieving something next season.
The current state of play at the club bears plenty of similarities to the situation Sir Alex Ferguson inherited when he was appointed in November 1986.
One of his initial concerns surrounded the culture at the club, with Norman Whiteside, Paul McGrath and Bryan Robson among the players who pushed the envelope off the field.
Current Man United manager Ruben Amorim has faced a similar scenario since he was appointed, albeit not alcohol related.
Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Alejandro Garnacho are among the current crop of players whose attitudes have been questioned.
To address the situation, Ferguson signed several reliable professionals including Steve Bruce, Viv Anderson and Brian McClair.
Matthijs de Ligt, Noussair Mazraoui and Manuel Ugarte may never replicate what that trio achieved, but they are type of reliable characters every squad needs.
Fergjuson made further improvements to his squad, adding Mark Hughes, Paul Ince, Gary Pallister into the mix. He also trusted a talented crop of youth players.
Plenty has been written about the famed Class of ’92 and it is an unnecessary exercise reminding everyone about the impact they had on the club.
However, United currently have a crop of young talents who could ultimately form the core of a team which dominates over the next few years.
Leny Yoro, Ayden Heaven, Kobbie Mainoo and Harry Amass are among the emerging talents who could develop into major stars for United.
There are several others in the youth set-up who have ambitions of replicating what David Beckham, Nicky Butt, Ryan Giggs, Gary Neville, Phil Neville and Paul Scholes achieved.
While the elements highlighted point to a brighter future for United, the club undoubtedly needs someone to spearhead their charge back to the top.
Ferguson’s decision to sign striker Eric Cantona from Leeds United in 1992 ultimately proved to be one of the most inspired transfers of all time.
But for the Frenchman’s interaction with a mindless thug at Crystal Palace, the Red Devils would have won five consecutive Premier League titles rather than four with him in the team.
Although it is difficult to compare different eras, United may have secured the services of a player who could have a similar impact to Cantona.
Matheus Cunha’s move from Wolverhampton Wanderers has made a big dent in the club’s finances, but the outlay could ultimately turn out to be a bargain.
United outscored just four teams last season – the bottom three and Everton. They were the joint-lowest scorers in the top 10 during the previous campaign.
Cunha will undoubtedly improve United’s attacking output, both in terms of goals and assists. He is the ideal fit for Amorim’s system and will take some of the creative burden off Bruno Fernandes.
His flair and ability to grab games by the scruff of the neck are qualities United have been sorely lacking. His will to win will also be a key asset.
Cunha demands a lot from his teammates and doesn’t suffer fools gladly – traits that Cantona was renowned for. The Brazilian could have a similar talismanic effect.
Former Wolves coach Edu Rubio believes the 26-year-old will be a massive hit for United.
“Cunha can help United to get the ball up the pitch quicker with his great dribbling skills and his excellent driving runs which can break opposition lines so effectively,” he told the BBC.
“He is a top player with great technical ability. He can play as an eight, as a ten, second striker, striker – so he fits very well in Ruben’s 3-4-2-1 system.
“He also likes to gravitate to the flank and come inside to hurt the opposition by penetrating into the box with and without the ball.
“United will need to offer him some freedom at front, giving him the opportunity to rotate and exchange positions across the attacking lines.”
Much like Cantona, the Brazilian forward will walk into United believing he is the man to transform their fortunes. His self-belief could carry the team a long way.
