MANCHESTER UNITED HAVE not enjoyed a “great season” admits Gary Neville, but they have been “good” and shown further signs of progress.
The Red Devils lifted three trophies during Jose Mourinho’s debut campaign at Old Trafford, with the Community Shield, EFL Cup and Europa League captured.
Returning to Premier League title contention was the target for 2017-18, but arch-rivals Manchester City have established domestic dominance with a league and Carabao Cup double.
United can, however, still wrap up a runner-up finish and FA Cup glory – having booked a final date with Chelsea in that competition – and Neville believes there is cause for optimism.
The Red Devils legend told Sky Sports: “For United, is it a great season? No. But it is a good season because the momentum is still going as they have the opportunity to win the FA Cup and finish second, which would be progression.
“The importance of getting another medal round the necks of the players should not be underestimated in terms of keeping building and challenging Manchester City next season.”
Mourinho will be expected to close the gap on City in 2018-19, but that will be no easy task.
The Portuguese has already admitted as much, with Pep Guardiola expected to be as busy in the summer transfer market as the rest of his Premier League rivals.
“Can we improve next season? Let’s try,” Mourinho said after guiding United to the FA Cup final with a 2-1 victory over Tottenham on Saturday.
“Whether Manchester City keep this level or improve this level, only they can say. But if they’re going to invest on top of the team they already have, it will be difficult for all of us.
“In this moment, I don’t even think about next season, or the cup final, I think about our next game, Arsenal, because we need one point to finish in the top four and we need seven to finish second. And we deserve to finish second. We have to finish second.”
Pulling a hamstring in the Bahamas ? She must have been some birdie he was chasing !!!! Go on Clarke you dirty dog.
Best of luck Darren hope you win a few more tournaments before retiring
Got injured in the bahamas myself l over the weekend, playing hurling. I’m still not walking properly
But then again you are Dirk Diggler…..
Hamstring? More like worn his elbow out lifting pints of stout !
Very disappointing for his family especially the kids. I expect he will deal with it with integrity and hopefully he can make the most of his bad luck by enjoying his family time.
Never knew you could get injured by supping pints
Big Alison too much for the big lad. lol
Wtf might he have been doing that was that strenuous it caused him injury? Ponders.
Not a bad place to have been injured. The Bahamas.
It will be Costa del Nowhere for this summer.
Lucky git.