Fans' Positivity Will Aid United

Something pretty inspirational happened at half-time during Manchester United's Boxing Day clash with Burnley.

The interval whistle was met with a few grumbles and moans but they were quickly drowned out by vocal support from the Stretford End as the players made their way to the tunnel. It was a show of faith from the match-going public that ignored the reality of the 2-0 scoreline in the Clarets' favour.

It contrasted starkly with the general mood on social media, when browsing through Twitter during the break, and showed the part that the fans at the stadium can play in influencing the atmosphere and lifting the side. Speaking with the players, it is clear they value the backing and anybody witnessing the game in person can appreciate the impact a dose of positivity from the crowd always has.

Let's be honest, it was easy to be a United fan throughout the Sir Alex Ferguson era when celebrating was often our main function as we enjoyed goals, victories and trophies. Supporting a team covers a broader set of scenarios, including getting behind the players when they're trailing at home to a side they're expected to beat.

When the Reds came out for the second half against Burnley, they were cheered and the noise continued as United started on the front foot. The energy restored, there was an urgency only checked by the blatant timewasting of Nick Pope, with the Clarets' keeper doing little to endear himself to the home crowd.

Lingard's beautiful flick raised the roof and, even if the visitors defended stoutly to have the away end preparing to salute a famous triumph, the Old Trafford public never lost hope and did not turn on the United team. The reward was Jesse's second goal, which at least avoided a rare home defeat - the last team other than Manchester City to leave M16 with the three points did so back in January 2016. That team was Southampton, our next opponents at home on Saturday.

With City clear at the top of the table, there is bound to be disappointment and frustration and nobody will be more dissatisfied with a current standing of second place than Jose Mourinho, who has made a career out of winning.

Sitting at his post-match press conference, he was clear in pointing out that big clubs are not automatically guaranteed success, citing the Milan sides and Real Madrid as examples this season in Serie A and La Liga respectively. "There are many big clubs and I know what a big club is," he stated. "One thing is a big club, another thing is a big football team. Two different things."

United are still a work in progress under Jose. "We are in the second year of trying to rebuild a football team," he stressed but, in the meantime, he has already delivered the Community Shield, League Cup and Europa League in his only full season in charge so far. Despite the shock Carabao Cup defeat to Bristol City, there is still all to play for in 2018 and it is reassuring to know the Old Trafford fans will be with the team all the way.

There is just something special about watching United attacking the Stretford End with purpose, channeling all the energy of the crowd. Even when working from the press box, that spectacle never loses its thrill. I was as disappointed as anyone with the dropped points in the previous game away to Leicester City, a result that threatened to ruin many a Red's Christmas, so at least this time it was United scoring the injury-time goal to pick up a point on Boxing Day.

Two entertaining back-to-back 2-2 draws are not enough for Manchester United, they never have been, even for those fans who claim they put exciting football ahead of results. But those seeking only good scorelines seemingly to sneer at rivals online are probably missing the point and not doing justice to their role of following the Reds. Just as the travelling army of fans were superb at the King Power Stadium, the show of support on Boxing Day was empowering.

Apologies, readers, if my positivity at this apparently oh-so-difficult time upsets you but I, for one, believe it can help the Reds face the challenges that the New Year will bring.

The opinions in this article are personal to the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Manchester United Football Club.

Credit: Manutd.com