COMMENT: It threatened to be explosive, but in the end it turned out to lack any real ignition or spark...
That can be the summary of Manchester United's season, not the bomb hoax which brought more drama to Old Trafford than Louis van Gaal has ever managed to muster. The drama that played out at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon wasn't exactly what the United faithful had in mind, but many joked it saved them from an afternoon of frustrating football.
Without a ball being kicked, United's Premier league season was virtually over as Manchester City's draw meant United would miss out on a top four place and Champions League football next season.
The stats say it all, but the most striking is that United have only managed to score 46 goals this season, less than relegation threatened Sunderland. United fans demand attacking football, but there's been more ignition in the dummy bomb than there has been in United's attacking play.
The team limped to a victory over a now relegated Norwich, mustering three shots on goal all game, a stat that applies to the majority of games this season.
Next up was a trip to spoil West Ham's last ever game at Upton Park. Not for the first time on a trip to London, the United team bus was late to arrive, delaying kick off, with some joking that even the bus driver prefers not to see the team play. The behaviour outside Upton Park was nearly as embarrassing as the social media clips of the players screaming on the bus floor, yes it's a young bunch of players, yes it's part of the team frolics, but did the clips really need to go viral before the coach had even pulled up to the ground?
Had the team won, then we would have laughed along as Jesse Lingard called for his mum, but it was the defending of United set pieces which also had the players cowering on the deck and calling for help from their mum.
United's inability to defend set pieces has been evident all season and has cost many a goal, but did Van Gaal really need to highlight this flaw with his pre game comments, basically pointing out to the opposition where the weakness lay. Having gone 2-1 up and a step closer to a top four finish, United retreated faster than a security professional who knew he'd forgotten to collect his dummy explosives.
So with the top four now only a pipe bomb dream, although I'm sure Van Gaal believes we might score 19 past Bournemouth, the fans' attention and thoughts turn to Wembley. Tuesday's home game won't inspire many and the stands will probably see more empty seats than supporters, a sight that will send a clear message to the United board that the football on offer isn't attractive enough to make a rescheduled mid week trip for a dead rubber game.
The FA Cup offers some salvation for the season and the Red Army will descend on Wembley Way hoping that we once again can lift the famous old mug.
Que Sera, Sera....
Andrew is the co-founder of Stretford End Flags, an independent fans group set up to improve the atmosphere and colour within Old Trafford. SEF provide the famous Stretford End banners. Visit stretfordendflags.com for more information - and to get involved.
Follow Stretford End Flags on Twitter: @sef_Mufc
