It's the hope that kills you! At times this season, Manchester United fans have hoped that the season could just come to a quick end and we start all over again in August. In that respect, it would help to move this season on faster if, like Chelsea, United's season has nothing much left to play for. Just when you expect to be put out of your misery, Louis van Gaal and his side pulls out a result that keeps patient that is United's season just about alive.
There is still every chance that United could end up in the top four this season and with an FA Cup to their name before the season is out and yet you'll be hard pressed to name a United fan who genuinely believes that the club can achieve either of those feats let alone both.
On Sunday, United followed up their derby victory over Manchester City with another important 1-0 win at home against Everton. As has been the norm this season, United picked up the win in a seemingly difficult game to make it four wins in five during a difficult spell of fixtures. Indeed, chances are United will come away with all three points at White Harte Lane on Sunday. The same cannot be said about United's plight against sides at the lower end of the table.
The feeling though remains that the next 10 days could finally see United fans put out of their misery. Manchester City will not relent easily in their quest to finish 4th and so United will yet again have to convince at White Harte Lane. A couple of days later sees the Reds take on West Ham United at Upton Park in the final FA Cup game at the Boleyn ground. If the season is still alive by the middle of next week, then perhaps something is written in the stars for Louis van Gaal this season.
In the absence of Wayne Rooney, the kids have formed a formidable front four that has thrived. Lingard, Martial and Rashford in particular seem to be enjoying playing off each other. The trio combined to win the derby for United a fortnight ago and were at it again on Sunday. Joined by fellow academy graduate Tim Fosu-Mensah, they combined well to open up an otherwise resilient Everton defence to net what turned out to be the winner.
Going forward, the United faithful will be caught at a cross roads. United boast a vibrant selection of youth that could easily develop into something special at the club akin to the Class of '92. However, the tumultuous air around the club suggests that there might not be much patience about that idea to develop. Indeed, the next manager might not be as fanciful about youth as Louis van Gaal has been. The last thing the club will ant is a succession of club rejects go on to achieve a premier league medal in the manner that Danny Drinkwater and Danny Simpson will do for Leicester City this season.
In an unprecedented twist of events, reports indicate that the kids do not actually fancy the Dutchman at the helm as they do not relate to his methods. Predictibly, neither do they fancy Jose Mourihno as his track record with youth is non-existent. It is Ryan Giggs that they'd vote for. Yet another facet of contemplation into the succession plan at Manchester United.
Finally, Old Trafford was riddled with a memorable throw-back on Sunday as the club honoured Sir Bobby Charlton by naming the club's main stand after him. There simply is no other name associated with Manchester United that is more worthy than Sir Bobby. Sir Bobby has always been there for the club and it is unthinkable that there shall ever be a time when he is not. Salute Sir Bobby!