Manchester United Fans Don't Need to Calm Down, They've Got a History of Winning

Football's landscape can change very quickly.

One decision, one signing, can alter everything. Crystal Palace were expected to build on their successful six months under Tony Pulis. Then he left. Liverpool, too, seemed to have cemented their place as genuine title challengers.

But then Luis Suarez was sold to Barcelona and there is now a sense Brendan Rodgers' side have to prove their credentials once again.

Manchester United fans have been back and forth a few times these last five months.

First, there was dread at the prospect of another season under David Moyes.

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Then, there was the excitement at the appointment of Louis van Gaal and his subsequent success at the World Cup. It continued through pre-season thanks to victories, meaningless though they were, over Roma, Inter Milan, Real Madrid and Liverpool.

The start of the new season brought with it a reality check. Defeat to Swansea and toothless draws with Sunderland and Burnley lowered expectations.

However, that was before executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward's £155 million shopping spree had finished and the 4-0 demolition of Queens Park Rangers.

It's hard for a fan to see Angel Di Maria, Radamel Falcao, Wayne Rooney, Robin van Persie and Juan Mata running around in red shirts and not have the mind wander. You can't expect them not to dream of titles and trophies, especially after a miserable 12 months post-Sir Alex Ferguson.

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But expectations at a club the size of United are not set over a matter of months. This is a club with a history of winning. Their 20 league titles and 11 FA Cups make them English football's most successful club.

With it has come a pressure to win every game, regardless of form, fitness or the newly rich swallowing up the world's best players.

It's a level of expectation that ultimately cost Moyes his job. And it's always there, bubbling away, whether a season starts with three wins or two points from nine.

If nothing else, this summer, United have got their fear factor back. Manchester City and Liverpool have never had it easier at Old Trafford than they did at the end of last season.

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United fans have also never been more worried about trips to Etihad Stadium, Anfield, Stamford Bridge and the Emirates than under Moyes. That should change with Van Gaal in the dugout and Di Maria, Falcao, Rooney and Van Persie on the team sheet.

There are still concerns over the midfield and defence, but they do have a squad full of match-winners—probably more than any other team in the Premier League.

United fans have been urged to calm down after the excitement of deadline day and the manner of the victory over QPR. They'll no doubt be reminded again if they win at Leicester City on Sunday.

Nevertheless, the landscape has changed. In mid-September, anything is possible.

A top-four finish is a target, but a minimum target. United are used to finishing first. That expectation won't change, even after a poor season and a disappointing start to this one.