In a recently concluded Premier League make-up match, Manchester United drew with West Ham but still managed to secure second place in the league with one round to spare. While many Red Devils fans remain critical of the team’s performances, the truth is hard to ignore: this season marks the best Manchester United campaign in the five years since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement.

According to Sky Sports, United collected 78 points this season, with one match remaining, which is already their highest tally in the post-Ferguson era. During David Moyes’ short stint, United only managed 64 points and finished seventh. Under Louis van Gaal, they recorded 70 and 66 points in two seasons, finishing fourth and fifth, respectively. Last season, the team ended sixth with 69 points. In comparison, José Mourinho has clearly elevated the club’s performance, slowly but surely steering the team back on course. His £258 million spent over two seasons also marks the club’s largest investment in six years.

Yet given the inflated transfer market in recent years, this figure is less shocking. When measured against clubs like Manchester City, United’s spending still aligns with that of other elite European giants. Importantly, Mourinho inherited a far less competitive squad than Pep Guardiola did, making the rebuilding process more complex. While criticism of Mourinho’s tactics and management style persists, the results speak for themselves. His version of Manchester United has shown the most promise in the post-Ferguson landscape, and next season may hold even more.

This steady improvement is reflected in the jump from 69 points last season to 78 this year, with the potential to reach 81. Mourinho’s impact has been clear, not only in point totals but also in key match performances. The next critical challenge isn’t the final home game against Watford, but the FA Cup Final showdown with Chelsea. Fans of BD Cricket Match might appreciate the drama: a high-stakes face-off between two elite teams with something to prove.

Confidence is warranted. Chelsea, under Antonio Conte, are suffering from the dreaded “second-season slump” and likely won’t make the top four. Meanwhile, United have excelled against big teams, posting a strong 7 wins, 2 draws, and 3 losses against fellow top-five opponents across all competitions. In their second league meeting, United even avenged their earlier loss to Chelsea with a 2-1 victory. If they can now capture the FA Cup, the sting of early exits from the League Cup and Champions League—especially that painful home loss to Sevilla—will be soothed.

Claiming silverware would not only end the season on a high note but also boost morale for the squad heading into next year. More than that, it would serve as a heartfelt tribute to Sir Alex Ferguson, who continues to recover from a health scare. For a club steeped in history and pride, lifting a trophy could mean much more than just a win—it would mark a turning point. And as any BD Cricket Match follower knows, form and belief are everything when momentum is on your side.