Manchester United are set to face Arsenal, with the North London side seeing themselves with a surprising five-point lead in the Premier League table.
Currently fifth in the table with United sitting in 10th, this wasn't what many Red Devil fans envisioned when Raphael Varane, Jadon Sancho, Cristiano Ronaldo, and of course, Tom Heaton, were signed in the summer.
The hunt for United's first Premier League title in eight years is over. However, United can still play the role of party crashers for many teams still looking to push forward in United's absence.
Arsenal see themselves the closest they've been to the top four since Arsene Wenger at the helm, with the north London side finally clicking under Mikel Arteta. Arsenal have only lost once since August, losing to Liverpool to the tune of 4-0 on November 20th.
United arguably come into the game as underdogs and need some inspiration to get a result and get the team back on their winning ways. Maybe they can look to their new interim manager.
Ralf Rangnick will be in the stands today ahead of his introductory press conference on Friday, December 3rd, at 9am. However, even though Rangnick won't be able to tweak the team ahead of their game against Arsenal, he can add some motivation.
United fans can look back for something like this happening as recently as the start of the season.
When Varane was announced at the beginning of the season, briefly ahead of the game against Leeds, United fans were in raptures.
The Leeds result was arguably the team's best game this season up to now, with a dominant 5-1 display. Even though it can't be quantified into stats, the announcement and unveiling of Varane in front of the 76,000 devoted United fans must've done wonders for the team.
United On My Mind writer Casey Evans was there for the United game against Leeds and remembered the day clearly.
"The atmosphere was electric. You wouldn't have expected any less from the first home game of the season, but add that it was against fierce rivals Leeds United and you have the perfect storm of football fandom.
"You couldn't move in the concourse for fans, a sea of red shirts loudly chanting and chatting away. Friends who haven't seen each other in months due to the pandemic reuniting over the love of their football team (and a couple of cheap bottles of Stowford Press or Carling, whatever their preference).
"And as you moved out onto the terraces, the experience only amplified. During the pandemic, I forgot how loud and boisterous a stadium could be, the jeers at the rival players, the cheers when you scored, and songs that ring out for the entire game.
"And the cherry on top of the cake for that game was the Raphael Varane announcement. The whole crowd was in awe as the French defender walked out onto the pitch holding his shirt, confirming his transfer. It was a classy touch and a great way to start the new season."
Even though it cannot be recorded with stats or data, the Varane announcement helped motivate United to their most dominant win of the season.
Can seeing their new man in charge in the Old Trafford stands with them also help? We sure hope so.
Who do you hope Ralf Rangnick signs for Manchester United? Follow our United On My Mind editor Mike Parrott and United On My Mind writer Casey Evans on Twitter to get involved in the discussion and give us your thoughts in the comment section below.
