2004-05 was the last time Manchester United failed to win a trophy- Manchester City can make 2011-12 another campaign to the Old Trafford club to forget.
This can still be a historic season for Manchester United for the right reasons.
They could win their record 20th Premier League trophy and win the Europa League for the first time.
That would certainly complete a satisfactory season for the club, even just the league trophy would.
Right now the club is looking good for both competitions, just two points off the top in the league.
But this title fight looks as though it will be as tough and nerve-racking as any the club have been a part of in recent memory, with City putting up a formidable challenge.
It will likely come down to fine margins, and a winner takes all game at the Etihad in the final weeks.
But while Arsenal are suffering another poor season, their seventh without success, United supporters have become spoiled with success.
It is eight years since they failed to win a trophy, in 2004-05 they were never really in the title race as Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea stormed to their first Premier League crown.
Since then in the two seasons the club has failed to win the Premier League, they ensured they did not end up trophyless by winning the Carling Cup.
After being knocked out by Crystal Palace in the Autumn the club lost out on the trophy, which is perhaps just as well for the FA as the draw would have led them to a potentially explosive final with hated rivals Liverpool.
Finishing the season without a trophy shouldn’t be something the club has to consider at this point, but it remains a very realistic possibility, whether fans accept it at this point or not.
The good news for United is that their fate is in their hands.
Wayne Rooney is in terrific form, Hernandez and Welbeck are both regularly chipping in with goals, and key players such as Ashley Young, Tom Cleverley and Phil Jones are all returning from injury at the right time.
But United and their fans should remember what is at stake.
Failure to win the league will leave supporters asking the same questions which were asked in the aftermath of their 6-1 defeat to Manchester City and their Champions League exit.
Is the midfield good enough? Why didn’t the club sign a midfielder in the summer? How much longer can Rio Ferdinand stay at the top level? What is going on with the goalkeeping situation?
All of these are questions the players and management have a great opportunity to answer over the next three months. It is make or break time.
The same asking, searching questions of character will be asked about Roberto Mancini’s men if they too fail.
Manchester City are used to trophyless seasons and bitter disappointment, but after getting a taste of silverware finally with last year’s FA Cup, the club will want more.
And what better way than to inflict pain upon their neighbours at the same time.
Because of United’s addiction to success, they will feel the pain more if they end up trophyless.
How many trophies do you think United will win this season?
image: © Paolo Camera
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