Jose Mourinho has complained about fixture congestion, been hampered by an injury crisis and brought in the youngsters.
Next Wednesday the talking, hyperbole and speculation will stop as Manchester United's season hinges on one game in the Europa League final.
A burgeoning young Ajax side stand in the way of Champions League qualification but who will be the men Mourinho entrusts with facing the famous Dutch side?
Mourinho has confirmed that Sergio Romero will start in goal having been ever-present in United's Europa League campaign.