Erik Ten Hag’s debut season as Manchester United manager was a successful one but there’s going to be increased pressure on the Dutch tactician this time out. How he and the players deal with it will be interesting.
How the team did last season
Manchester United claimed a third-place finish in the Premier League and secured Champions League football. On that alone, it was a successful campaign.
The former Ajax man also guided the Red Devils to Carabao Cup success and reached the FA Cup final.
It was a strange campaign though in terms of results. They lost heavily to Brentford (4-0), Manchester City (6-3) and Liverpool (7-0) but also managed to pick up 2-1 wins over the latter two.
Only Newcastle United and Man City conceded fewer goals than United but their return of 58 could be beaten by six of the top 10, while ninth-placed Brentford scored the same number of goals. In truth, United struggled for consistency last season but, somehow, did enough to claim a top-four place. Their longest unbeaten run was just six games.
Marcus Rashford had a career-best season, netting 17 times in the Premier League. He was the only United player to hit double figures in the league though and this will no doubt be something Ten Hag looks to improve this season. The England international, perhaps surprisingly, didn’t manage the highest-rated average though. Bruno Fernandes (7.8) did.
In fact, the new United captain had the highest average of any player in the league last term, really highlighting his importance to the Red Devils.
What has happened during the summer?
Ten Hag has delved into the transfer market once again to splash the cash.
André Onana joined from Inter Milan for a reported fee of £44million. The one-time Ajax shot-stopper reunites with Ten Hag and replaces David De Gea as the club’s undisputed No.1. The former Atlético Madrid goalkeeper had initially been offered a new deal at Old Trafford but that was pulled by the club and he was allowed to leave on a free.
Mason Mount swapped the blue of Chelsea for the red of Manchester United this summer. Having rejected a contract extension at Stamford Bridge, the Blues sold him for an initial £55million. The 24-year-old claimed the iconic No.7 jersey and looks set to play a key role for the Red Devils moving forward.
Rasmus Højlund has finally finalised his £64million move from Atalanta. The versatile forward has impressed over the last 12 months and has the potential to lead the line at Old Trafford for the next decade if he develops as expected.
According to reports, another midfielder is being lined up with United being linked to both Sofyan Amrabat and Roméo Lavia while Harry Maguire could be sold if a good enough offer arrives.
What they should be aiming for next season?
Is it too early for a title challenge? With the money United have spent over the past 12 months, you are kind of hoping for more than just a top-four challenge, aren’t you?
The core group is now made up of players signed by the former Ajax boss. A top four finish is the bare minimum at this stage. They need to be pushing for an 80+ point season and seeing where it gets them. There needs to be some return for the outlay else questions will be asked.
Prediction
4th.
(Images from IMAGO)
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