Fed-up United fans know Amorim faces 'a lot of problems'

Appointment of young Portuguese and way in which it has been done leads to hopes of a brighter future

- Sam Dalling

I'm excited for it because it's new, but then you're always excited for a new manager, aren't you?

" says Siobhan, grinning. She and her sister Shauna are heading to their perches in Old Trafford's North Stand with a spring in their steps. A sort of not-quite-but-soon new head coach bounce, if you will.

With the ink now dry on Rúben Amorim's contract, thoughts, imaginations even, of Manchester United supporters are future-facing. A future, everyone hopes, that will be significantly brighter than the present.

Amorim's delayed start date - he arrives on 11 November - meant the 1-1 error-riddled draw with Chelsea yesterday lacked Portuguese flags and T-shirts paying homage to their new head coach. There was not even a witty ditty or two from the Stretford End.

All of that will come soon. Still, it was impossible not to sense the anticipation of a fresh start, a new school year, as supporters arrived.

Nearly a week has now passed since Erik ten Hag received his P45. But even with that time to gather considered thoughts, finding a three-pronged plug socket on mainland Europe would be easier than locating anyone in Manchester's red half willing to argue the Dutchman's stint of two and a bit seasons should have run on further.