While I am as upset about the current situation as most of you, I do think it would be good to look back across the season and look at the positives without donning the rose-tinted glasses that one or two people wear.
Both Djimi Traore and Igor Biscan have developed from useless squad members into reliable reserve centre backs. There's always been doubts about Traore's ability at left-back and Biscan has never looked settled in the midfield, but both are quite capable centre backs - very useful, particularly with the derby coming up and Stephane Henchoz and Sami Hyypia both ruled out. Let's see how well they perform when the pressure's on.
Markus Babbel is back. It's just over a year since he was knocking on death's door and it's great to see him fighting fit, if not challenging for a first team place. Whatever he decides to do in the summer, he'll always be remembered as a quality defender.
It wasn't that long ago that we struggled whenever Michael Owen was injured. Now we are spoilt for choice. Michael's fitness programme seems to be working, with a virtually injury-free season so far (touch wood) but we have Milan Baros and Neil Mellor available if we need them. Baros hasn't had as many chances as he deserves this season, partly because Houllier wants to keep consistency in the team, but there is no doubting his ability to score goals. Let's just hope he decides to stay. As for Mellor, he's going to be class - we just need to make sure we keep hold of him and give him chances whenever we can.
The Worthington Cup. Don't forget we've actually won a trophy in this piss-poor season. It may be the Mickey Mouse cup, but it's one more piece of silver than United's trophy room will have on display.
We may have had some bad games this year, but we've also had some bad luck too. A place in the Champions League next season still beckons if we can win our remaining games. We deserve to be in the Champions League. Let's hope the lads can do it.