Here we go again!

As the start of the new season begins for United with the Premier League visit of Crystal Palace to Old Trafford, I guess there are many things we can be grateful for. Not least the fact that we are still able watch football, even though from a distance. If like me, the opening home game of the season normally fills you with the excitement of walking to the Theatre of Dreams on opening matchday, grabbing a pre-match burger and chips on the way and entering the stadium to be greeted by the pristine pitch and overpriced beverages, then these are difficult times. 

It seems like only yesterday that the season ended, however here we go again! An extremely short pre-season where once again United have not exactly lit up the transfer market, with the only piece of business was the purchase of the promising young Dutchman, Donny van de Beek from Ajax, another in a long line of imports from just over the sea and one who has the backing to succeed from the likes of United legends van der Sar and van Persie, so he must be quality, right? 

Edwin van der Sar commented that he and Ajax would miss van de Beek, but understands how difficult it is to turn down a move to United when they come calling. What a shame many other players clearly don't share his opinion.

Once again United have been linked with every player on the planet since the transfer window opened, and once again the lack of buys has whipped the fans into a fury with the main source of anger directed firmly at the door of Ed Woodward. While other clubs around us have been splashing out money left, right and centre (back), we as a team have done nothing. Surely this is a time to strengthen and build on what has to be seen as a successful end to last season by qualifying for the Champions League. But here we are again! It doesn't matter all the excuses that the hierarchy come out with, the fact is our club has struggled in the transfer market every season that Woodward has been at the helm. If Edwin misses Donny so much he should come back as director of football or even CEO and short it out.

Anyway, it is a new campaign and as always I like to look at the positives and there are some out there. For example, new fans' player of the season Bruno Fernandes should once again bring the inventiveness and drive to the team in what will be his first complete season. The players didn't agree with the fans as they voted for Anthony Martial as their player of the season and doesn't he seem happier these days? Gone is the slouchy downbeat player of the Mourinho era and in with the new under Ole. A player who is at last living up to his credentials as a striker. Now all Ole has to do is sort out Marcus!

Between the sticks is also a promising situation. As much as I admire and respect Romero, I believe that the return of Henderson will keep de Gea on his toes as he is more of a threat to his number 1 status than Sergio. A spot of competition never hurt anyone. Talking of competition, I would like to see more of an effort from the likes of Lingard and Pereira if they are to stay, if not then it could be the time to part ways with some of the fringe players.

During the very short period between the end of last season and the beginning of this one some of the players have not exactly covered themselves in glory off the pitch, you know who I'm talking about. Some of the players should know better, and some are on that learning curve of life. My thoughts on this are that whatever they do and wherever they go in their free-time the players are always going to be there for the taking, whether it be by the media or the public wanting to have a pop and get their names in the papers. It's happened before, and it will continue to happen in the future, but it will be a true reflection of their characters how the players respond to the publicity. Bestie didn't exactly live the life of a hermit and we still sing about joining him for a few drinks up above.

So that's it. I look forward to the day when we can all walk down Sir Matt Busby Way, adorned in our new Zebra kit and join together once more at the true home of football.

Enjoy the bumpy ride that inevitably comes from watching United, I know I will.

Miles Dunton.

Bruno, Bruno, Bruno!

The impact of Bruno Fernandes.

Maybe it's a little too early to heap so much praise on a player after only three and a bit games, but what the hell let's do it anyway.

Bruno Fernandes is the new hero of Old Trafford, a player that United tried to sign for so long, has finally arrived and already started to deliver.

United fans love a player that has that cockiness about them, and the way Bruno dispatched his penalty against Watford showed he has that element of self-confidence not seen in a player since the King himself graced the Theatre of Dreams.

Since signing in the transfer window he has given the side, club and fans that much needed lift in a season that was filled with so much negativity and despair.

He has single handedly lifted the gloom surrounding the club. High praise indeed you might say, but when you consider the ongoing situation with Pogba, and the failings on the pitch of many of the players, Fernandes was exactly the shot in the arm we all needed.

To say the atmosphere at Old Trafford had been glum is an understatement. However, in the space of time he has been here you can feel the change and belief he has regenerated within the fans. Everyone is talking about him and he is also saying the right things, and in great English too.

As a fan, you hope that new signings are going to do well, but when Bruno arrived you automatically got that feeling that he was a United player. These type of players have that special persona that fits in with our traditions at the club.

In his first game against Wolves, you could see his leadership qualities come to the fore as he orchestrated the players around him. His drive and enthusiasm rubbed off on most of his teammates. This continued in his European debut for the Reds against Club Brugge, when only on the pitch for 15 minutes he completely changed the complexion of the match, from one that we might lose to one that we could win.

Then on Sunday came his defining moment and yet another Man of the Match performance. Having won and converting the penalty to open his United account,  he then continued to influence the game through his passing and work rate in midfield. He had a hand in all three goals and was paraded by Ole in front of the appreciative Stretford End at the final whistle.

Ole has probably found the player that will ensure he sees the season out as manager, and then given the chance to build on the squad in the summer having hopefully secured a Champions League place and maybe picked up a trophy.

Let's hope that this is not a false dawn at United and that the fans will be shouting Bruno, Bruno, Bruno right up until the final kick of the season.

Miles Dunton.