Man Utd news: Opinion – How United can enter summer with sliver of satisfaction

Today’s the day. Nottingham Forest away. Manchester United’s run-in begins with at least 11 games left to play.

Sorry. A little rhyme for you there. I’m excited. This is exciting, isn’t it? United are back after what feels like two years rather than two weeks.

The finish line of another turgid season is in sight, so let’s look at three things that must happen if we are to enter the summer with even a sliver of satisfaction.

Maintain “big game” momentum

United have not been winning enough football matches at the start of Ruben Amorim’s reign. As the man himself often utters, “that is clear”.

But this group of players tend to show up on the big occasions. I am thinking of Manchester City and Liverpool away, Arsenal in the FA Cup, then the Gunners in the league.

United are going to need more of that when the final nine Premier League games are against Forest, City, Newcastle United, Wolves, Bournemouth, Brentford, West Ham United, Chelsea and Aston Villa.

Keep Rasmus Hojlund firing

You know that saying “goals are like ketchup”? Yes, that is an actual saying muttered from the mouth of Cristiano Ronaldo, of all people.

Well, that makes me think of Hojlund. No goals in 20 games and then, bam, the opener against Leicester City, and bam, the winner against Ronaldo’s Portugal.

If United are to salvage this season, Amorim’s number nine needs to build on the confidence and finish with a flourish.

“United are going to Bilbao”

There have been better chants. This one does not even rhyme like my epic opening. But it rings true.

The only way United can rescue this campaign from catastrophe is by lifting the Europa League trophy on 21 May.

I have not got more to add. The mission is simple in writing. Completing it, however…

Find more from Alex Turk at Stretford Paddock