Manchester United 2023/24 Premier League Season Review
Manchester United stumbled to 8th place this season, which is their lowest ever finish in the Premier League era. However, they will be playing UEFA Europa League football next season thanks to an unlikely triumph in the FA Cup final against Manchester City.
So how did this campaign go for the Red Devils? And why? Continue reading our Manchester United season review to find out.
Individual Performances
If we look at the squad that Erik ten Hag has at his disposal, as well as some of the sums paid to bring these players in, it strikes us as odd that they only finished 8th.
The biggest gain from this season has to be the emergence of teenage star Kobbie Mainoo. He has been trusted by the manager in some big games this season, despite an injury that cut his pre-season short and only allowed him to play again in November.
It is unusual to think that the future of a club as big as United rests on the shoulders of a player who only turned 19 last month, but this is the current situation for the Red Devils.
Diogo Dalot also emerges with some credit from this campaign, also winning the club’s Players’ Player of the Year award, showing that he is highly rated by his peers.
Alejandro Garnacho also performed reasonably well this season, scoring some important goals and even winning the Premier League Goal of the Season award for his overhead kick strike at Goodison Park.
GARNACHO OVERHEAD KICK 🤯 | ALL THE ANGLES 👀
At the other end of the spectrum, it was a season to forget for players like Anthony Martial, Mason Mount, Casemiro or Antony, all of which we expected more from.
Manager’s Impact
Despite securing a second trophy in 2 years, winning the FA Cup after bringing the League Cup to Old Trafford last season, there is a feeling among the fanbase that Erik ten hag does not have the qualities needed to succeed at a club with United’s stature.
While his credentials are good (a run to the UCL semi-finals with Ajax a few years ago is still a remarkable feat), and the injury crisis in defence this season did not help, there is a sense of inevitability about his departure, especially after Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS became a part-owner of the club.
It remains to be seen if ten Hag will be given another chance to show what he is capable of next season.
Looking Ahead
As it has been the case quite a few times in recent memory for United, this will be a summer of profound change at the club.
While ten Hag might still be around, Raphael Varane has already announced that he will be leaving at the end of his contract. Other players who might follow him through the exit door are Casemiro, Anthony Martial, Christian Eriksen, Donny van de Beek, Jonny Evans and Victor Lindelof.
Expectations will always be high for one of the world’s biggest clubs, so any coaches or players coming in will need to hit the ground running and perform well straight away.
Europa League games will also help new players and academy graduates gain minutes, while challenging for top 4 will certainly be the priority for Manchester United in 2024/25.