10 Things for Manchester United Fans to Look Forward to in 2015
2014 was an odd year for Manchester United fans. There were plenty of highs, but they were never sustained.
The lows lasted a little while longer, but the club has made changes that mean there is plenty of cause for optimism going into the new year.
Last year saw substantial investment in players and the addition of new staff, who have guided the team to third place in the league.
Hopefully, the platform has been built upon which fans can see the recent progress transform into the kind of success that has become a habit for United.
Let's look at reasons to be cheerful about the Red Devils in 2015.
Champions League Football
1 of 10
April 1, 2014, seems a long time ago now. That was the date of United's 1-1 home draw with Bayern Munich—the last time Old Trafford saw Champions League football.
Hearing the theme music of that famous competition ring out at rival grounds on weekday evenings has not been easy, but 2015 should be the year it returns to M16.
Sitting in third place, three points ahead of Tottenham Hotspur in fifth, United are in a good position to ensure it happens. If their excellent home form can be sustained and the away form improved, third place should be the minimum expectation for this season.
That will mean next season will see a return to midweek business as usual for the Red Devils.
Goals! Goals! Goals!
2 of 10
Though the performance during Sunday's 2-0 win over Yeovil Town was most assuredly nothing to write home about, the goals were spectacular.
Plenty more should lie ahead this year.
The firepower United possess is second to very few clubs in world football. Between Juan Mata, Angel Di Maria, Radamel Falcao, Wayne Rooney, Robin van Persie and a more-than-able supporting cast, this year should see plenty of goals.
That the second game of the year featured a goal-of-the-season contender from Ander Herrera is hopefully a sign of things to come.
The Summer Transfer Window
3 of 10
Last season's summer transfer window came as a huge surprise to those of us who have become used to United's powers that be over-promising and under-delivering on additions to the playing staff.
Infamously, huge sums of money were spent on some proven talent and some very fine young players.
It will be hard to match in 2015. However, it seems very likely that significant additions will still be made to the playing squad, given the fitness issues among United's defenders.
And who knows? Perhaps there will be a surprise on the level of Di Maria or Falcao ahead.
Watching Angel Di Maria in Full Flow
4 of 10
Speaking of Di Maria, one of my personal highlights of 2014 was sitting in the Sir Alex Ferguson Stand at Old Trafford, about six rows back from the pitch, as Angel Di Maria picked up the ball and ran at terrified Queens Park Rangers defenders.
That close up, his pace and skill were even more impressive.
His impact on United has already been significant, but better still probably lies ahead from the Argentinian, as the team around him gets closer to his level.
Watching Di Maria playing for United should certainly be one of the joys of 2015.
Louis van Gaal Press Conferences
5 of 10Van Gaal press conferences can be a great deal of fun.
His instruction to Wayne Rooney to "let it fly," as shown above, is a particular highlight from last year, and there will no doubt be more to come in the year ahead.
As well as his enjoyable turn of phrase, United's "trainer-coach" has also shown a pleasing proclivity to actually discuss footballing matters. He has been open about his decision-making in terms of tactics and selection and apparently honest about his analysis of his players.
He may give short shrift to journalists wanting to go over material he believes he has already covered, but his press conferences have been engaging and entertaining. Long may that continue in the year ahead.
Robin van Persie Reinvigorated
6 of 10
Robin van Persie's recent run of form has been excellent. Five goals and two assists in his last eight appearances is a huge improvement on the three goals and no assists in his prior 11 games.
His body language has looked brighter, his movement has been sharper and his hold-up play has improved.
With the player himself putting his early season form down to a World Cup hangover, per his interview with Geoff Shreeves on Sky Sports, it is hoped 2015 will see a continued resurgence from the brilliant Dutchman.
Van Persie at his best is certainly something to look forward to.
The Team Clicking
7 of 10
United's 3-1 win over Newcastle United, their last game at Old Trafford in 2014, was an incredibly assured display. After the first 20 minutes, in which the visitors somewhat rattled United's back five, the Red Devils took control of the game and almost never let it go.
All three goals were the result of good team play and excellent individual execution. In short, United "clicked."
It seemed to be happening again during the first half of the trip to Tottenham Hotspur, but the final product was not quite there.
Hopefully, it will happen a lot more often during 2015, and given that the frequency of United's good performances is increasing—particularly at home—there is every reason to think it will.
An Injury-Free Run
8 of 10
Fifty-five injuries have befallen Van Gaal's United this season, per The Telegraph.
2015 will hopefully see a run during which the manager can select from the same pool of players for a few games in a row.
Such a run would improve United's chances of finding some consistency. It is easy to imagine Van Gaal is looking forward to that a great deal.
Juan Mata Making an Impact
9 of 10
2014 was Mata's first year at United, and he has made a decent first impression.
In his 33 appearances so far, he has scored 11 goals and provided seven assists. It is not entirely clear where he fits into Van Gaal's system when everyone is fit, but the last couple of months have seen him almost ever-present.
Most of his best football has come at home—he has looked a little easy to knock off the ball in the tougher games away from Old Trafford—but it might just be that 2015 is the year Mata establishes himself as an indispensable talent for United.
Given how lovely his football is to watch when he is at his best, it would be a real treat if that happened.
An FA Cup Run?
10 of 10
United last won the FA Cup in 2004, and given that other silverware looks distinctly unlikely to appear in 2015, it would be great to win it this year.
The road to the final is long and bumpy, but having got through the trip to Yeovil in the third round, if Van Gaal can navigate it, 2015 will be particularly memorable.
If the current number seven can score a goal as iconic and important as the one pictured above, United fans will be very happy indeed.
.jpg?w=600 "Colts Release Kenny Moore")
