Where are we on the Manchester United optimism scale? Does Ronaldo help or hinder?

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Has all Manchester United optimism now drained away?

I recall last week a Man Utd fan mailing in predicting Man Utd would finish 2nd or 3rd and would likely finish next season ahead of Liverpool (can’t recall who it was). Whilst optimism of what the season will bring is always at its highest (remember Ronaldo, Sancho and Varane were going to equal a title challenge) just before the season starts, is all the optimism now being sucked out of Manchester Utd?

Ronaldo saying he want’s to leave isn’t the end of the world. Whilst he personally had a decent season, those around him suffered, for whatever reason. The issue is the late stage he has dropped this on them. Ultimately, he is under contract, so Utd could make him stay. Probably isn’t the best idea to bother though. Problem is, now Man Utd need to plug another hole in the squad and sign a top class centre forward, on top of all the other requirements that they haven’t signed yet. So far they have not signed anyone where they needed to. The nearest completed deals are for a left back that wasn’t a priority, and a ‘verbal’ agreement with Christian Eriksen, who may want to speak to Daniel Levy about getting out of it. Whilst a very good player, he is going to be squad depth and ultimately back up to Bruno. Almost seems as if things haven’t got the slightest bit better since Ed Woodward left? But the slow progress on transfers etc was all his fault though wasn’t it?

Add in players that they chase all summer rather take a pay cut at their current club than go there, and it all amounts to a frustrating summer for fans. Seems there is