Manchester United fans will be relieved to see the back of another trialling season in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era.

The Red Devils have finished outside the Premier League top four in all but two of the six campaigns since the legendary manager retired in 2013.

The last nine months offered little evidence of United being anywhere near returning to their former glory, despite a minor resurgence during the interim reign of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

After replacing Jose Mourinho in late December, the Norwegian won 14 of 19 matches in all competitions before the club hierarchy saw fit to keep him at the helm.

But as quickly as the ink dried on his three-year contract, Solskjaer’s impact waned.

United have won just twice since the 46-year-old became their permanent boss, casting doubt over the decision to entrust such an inexperienced manager with a team in desperate need of an overhaul.

Nevertheless, the majority of the Old Trafford faithful would agree Solskjaer isn’t solely responsible for their fall from grace.

Few of his players have shined this season, with some of the most handsomely rewarded also being the most guilty of underperforming.

Alexis Sanchez - one of the most well-documented culprits in this regard - has recognised his failings and written a personal apology to United fans.

"It was a very tough season...the fan are the ones who deserve an apology as they always support you no matter what happens,” the Chilean wrote on Instagram.

"Personally, I didn’t perform as much as I was expecting because of unpredictable injuries. Press and people were speculating of things that were not even true. I was always a professional in all aspects.

"I apologise to the fans for not be able to achieve our goals, nevertheless we are Manchester United!

"Players and staff are questioning if we were doing the right thing and if we were giving our best for this football shirt... I'm certain that Manchester United one day will return to be the club, as it was in the old days with Mr. Alex Ferguson."

Fair play to Sanchez for holding his hands up to some extent, but it’s unlikely to persuade Red Devils supporters to overlook his pitiful output.

The 30-year-old pockets a weekly wage of £505,000 along with bonuses of £75,000 per goal and £25,000 per assist.

Thankfully - at least for the Old Trafford bank account - Sanchez has contributed just three goals and three assists this term.

Imagine what he could've earned if not for his 'unpredictable injuries'.