Manchester United's last season ended with an FA Cup victory, beating Manchester City 2-1 in the derby. However, this success was not enough to redeem an overall disappointing season.
Manchester United finished eighth in the Premier League with 60 points, level with Newcastle, and suffered early eliminations in Europe. They were knocked out of the Champions League and failed to qualify for the Europa League.
The defeat at Old Trafford against Bayern Munich, already qualified as group leaders, combined with Copenhagen's 1-0 victory over Galatasaray, marked the end of United's European journey. Copenhagen advanced to the Round of 16 of the 2024 Champions League, while Galatasaray secured a spot in the Europa League playoffs.
The Leagues return: Bundesliga and Ligue 1 ready to deliver excitement
23 Nov - 12:09 •
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Manchester United seems stuck in a cycle of highs and lows. Despite investments in high-profile players, the team struggles to find stability. The club's strategy of acquiring big names has not yielded the desired results, and the presence of young talent from the academy is steadily decreasing.
The upcoming season is crucial for Manchester United. Let's take a look at the possible lineup for the 2024/25 season, position by position.
André Onana, despite a tough start to the season, managed to overturn criticism and become a key figure for the team. United will once again rely on him as their main goalkeeper. Onana was often cited as one of the main causes of United's troubles, but over the course of the season, he proved his worth, becoming somewhat of a 'savior' for the team.
The defensive lineup will feature Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martinez, and Luke Shaw as starters. Each starter has a high-quality reserve like Diogo Dalot and Victor Lindelof. The club is working to acquire Matthijs de Ligt, the former Juventus center-back, who has prioritized the English club despite other interests. Additionally, Leny Yoro, a young talent from Lille, is gaining attention, with Real Madrid and PSG also interested in the defender.
The midfield will be led by Casemiro and Kobbie Mainoo. However, Casemiro might make way for a younger, promising midfielder, with the Saudi Pro League ready to make an offer in the coming transfer market days. Mainoo, on the other hand, represents the club's future and will be fundamental in the new tactical setup.
Garnacho, Bruno Fernandes, and Marcus Rashford will form the offensive trio behind the central striker. These players are expected to be the main offensive support, with Antony, Mason Mount, and Eriksen ready to step in throughout the season. The most interesting addition is Joshua Zirkzee. The Dutch striker, after a brilliant season with Bologna, accepted Manchester United's offer and moved to the city for athletic tests. He will sign a five-year contract with an option for a sixth year, earning €3.5 million net per season plus bonuses. Zirkzee can act as a substitute for Hojlund, but the two could also coexist with tactical adjustments.
Erik ten Hag, who took over from Ralf Rangnick, the current Austria coach who led United for seven months, has been at the helm of the Red Devils since 2022. Despite the FA Cup success against rivals Manchester City, the previous season was unsatisfactory.
In an interview with Ad.nl, the former Ajax coach discussed the difficulties encountered in managing work at Old Trafford. These challenges were anticipated by Rangnick and fellow Dutchman Van Gaal, who had advised him against taking the United job: "Rangnick was right: over the years, the club has lost its winning mentality. We haven't recovered it yet; it's a long and complex process. I was aware of this from the start. Someone like Van Gaal even advised me against taking the job. We're emerging from a complicated situation, worsened by numerous long-term contracts that have slowed the team's renewal."
Manchester United's pre-season will be full of important challenges. The team will face Arsenal, Liverpool, and Real Betis, crucial tests to assess the team's form and preparation. The first big appointment of the season will be the Community Shield on August 10 against Manchester City, a derby that promises fireworks. Subsequently, the Premier League debut will take place at Old Trafford against Fulham, an opportunity to start the league campaign on the right foot.
After last season's disappointments, Manchester United has clear objectives for the new season. The club aims to significantly improve its position in the Premier League, seeking to return to the top spots. In Europe, the goal is to have a longer and more competitive run, both in the Champions League and any other European competitions. The club's strategy will include a mix of targeted acquisitions and the integration of young talents from the academy, aiming to build a balanced and competitive team.
The new season for Manchester United promises to be full of changes and challenges. The club aims to bounce back from last season's disappointing results and finally find the desired stability. With new additions and renewed strategies, the Red Devils hope to return to the top of European football. Fans are ready to support the team in this new chapter, hoping that Manchester United can shine once again.
