Manchester United's FA Cup defeat to Middlesbrough was a disappointing result as it was the best opportunity to achieve silverware this season.
It's now pretty much nailed on United look set to go five years without a trophy, which simply isn't good enough, considering where they were under Sir Alex Ferguson.
Ralf Rangnick is United's fifth manager, be it interim since Fergie retired and it feels like he's been given a near-impossible task of getting the current squad competing for trophies. The body language after Middlesbrough equalised pretty much epitomised that.
While United were eliminated from the competition, there were actually quite a few positives from the performance, notably with Jadon Sancho and Paul Pogba, who were excellent on the night.
It wasn't just Sancho and Pogba that were sensational though. There were plenty of pleasing elements to United's display and it's given Rangnick a few reasons to be cheerful.
We think they should be mentioned, so our United On My Mind writer, Omar Garrick, has listed three areas that have given Manchester United reasons to be optimistic, despite the FA Cup defeat to Middlesbrough.
1. Sancho delight
Jadon Sancho has come under a lot of scrutiny since his £73m switch from Borussia Dortmund in the summer of 2021 and before the Middlesbrough match, only had two goals to his name.
He's looked lost on confidence in recent weeks, but the two-week winter break gave him an opportunity to work on himself, and judging by his performance on Friday evening, he has.
Along with a well-taken goal, Sancho was creating a handful of opportunities for the rest of United's forwards and offered an attacking threat when his team were on the front foot.
As per SofaScore.com, Sancho had a 92% pass accuracy, 66 touches, won four duels, completed two crosses, had two shots on target and created two clear-cut chances.
If he continues this sort of form in United's next match, then it might spark his Old Trafford career into life.
2. Could Pogba solve a key midfield problem?
Everyone knows Manchester United need a defensive midfielder, but they've also been suffering from a lack of creativity in the middle of the park.
While Fred and Scott McTominay have stepped up for United in recent weeks, they haven't created enough opportunities for the attack, which has seen them struggle to create chances.
Paul Pogba returned from an ankle injury and he was brilliant in the midfield for United. In fact, he could solve a massive creative problem that's caused Rangnick issues since he took charge.
As per @StatmanDave, Pogba completed 100% of his dribbles, had an 86% pass accuracy, made 48 passes (four successful long passes), eight ball recoveries and won the penalty that was missed by Cristiano Ronaldo.
Every United supporter knows the capabilities Pogba has in his locker - he just needs to show it more frequently. If he puts in more performances as he did against Middlesbrough, he could be a key player for the remainder of the season.
3. Varane is beginning to settle
Manchester United always seem to have defensive issues and some of their recent signings haven't gone to plan. However, the scouting department got it spot on in signing Raphael Varane from Real Madrid.
The Frenchman has had a few injury problems since his arrival last summer but has returned from injury as the defender United knew they signed.
Everything he did, whether it was his composure, sensational passing ability or brilliant defending; it was exquisite. He's easily United's most talented defender and the back four look a lot more comfortable when he's starting.
Varane won seven aerial duels, two ground duels, played 11 accurate long balls, made two clearances, three interceptions, one tackle and maintained an 87% pass accuracy.
Certainly, United will concede fewer goals when he's at the back for Rangnick.
Do United have reasons to be optimistic? Follow our United On My Mind writer Omar Garrick on Twitter to get involved in the discussion and give us your thoughts on the matter in the comments section below.
