Manchester United supporters know from experience the heartbreak of missing out on a title in such circumstances.
But, even while suffering final day disaster as the Premier League trophy headed to Blackburn Rovers and Manchester City instead, the Red Devils never quite got this unlucky. They never finished with 99 points, losing just one and winning 31 of their 38 league games, before ending up empty handed.
That, however, is the fate that befell one former Manchester United midfielder in 2023/24.
Fred, so impressive during his debut season at Turkish giants Fenerbahce, could hardly have done any more. The £13 million summer signing was on the winning side in 23 of his 25 first-team appearances at the Istanbul giants.
In fact, the only frustration is that Fred did not feature more often. Had the Brazil international not suffered the odd injury issue, Fenerbahce may have broken the 100-point barrier, beating bitter rivals Galatasaray by a nose rather than losing out on a photo finish.
Fred reunited with former Manchester United manager
If the appointment of one Jose Mourinho is anything to go by, however, Fenerbahce will not rest until the Super Lig crown is back on their heads again. Fred is suddenly reunited with the man who brought him to Manchester United back in 2018, with Fener president Ali Koc confirming that the 31-year-old – nor any of his club’s key players – will be sold unless an ‘astronomic’ offer arrives.
“We achieved good things with (sporting director) Mario Branco last season. Mario Branco will continue with us this season,” Koc begins, speaking to Tele 1 about the man who played such a key role in Fred’s switch from England to Istanbul.
“Irfan Can, Fred, Ferdi (Kadioglu), (Bright) Osayi (Samuel) will all remain in the team unless an extraordinary astronomical figure is reached.
“We will build an even stronger team next year. Our squad is already very strong. The quality of our squad is evident from the current interest in our players.”
Fred scored three goals and set up eight more in all competitions last season, his impact likened to that ofbasketball legend Michael Jordan at Chicago Bulls during the 1990s. Whether Fred and Mourinho can turn Fenerbahce from bridesmaid’s into brides, like Jordan did during his NBA heyday, remains to be seen, though Koc’s ambition means title holders Galatasaray would be foolish to rest on their laurels.
Fenerbahce hire Jose Mourinho to take down Galatasaray
“You are witnessing the transformation of the last two years,” the president adds, Fenerbahce picking up 26 more points this year than they did in 2021/22.
“I think you feel that there is hope at the end of the tunnel, that the light is shining brightly, because we feel it. We will beat the system next season. And, once we break that glass ceiling, championships will come one after another.”
Mourinho, one of the most decorated managers in football history let alone the 21st century, arrives at a Fenerbahce side who have lifted just one Turkish Cup in the last decade.
“Normally a coach is loved after victories. In this case, I feel that love before victories,” beams Mourinho, greeted like a god by one of Europe’s most vociferous fanbases. “And that for me is a big responsibility that I feel.
“I promise you that, from this moment, I belong to this family. This shirt is my skin,” adds the Portuguese, as charismatic as ever.
“Since the moment I met president Ali Koc and understood his ideas and projects, I wanted to play for you. I want to be the coach of all of you.
“From the moment I signed my contract, your dreams are now my dreams.”