2024 served a series of high and low points for Manchester United fans worldwide. Undoubtedly, a rollercoaster of a year brought a new manager, new silverware and a series of new players.
While a pessimistic atmosphere protrudes from the club at this time, emotions run high in this club, and a shift in positivity may be closer than what people think.
Take a look at some of the key points from 2024 below.
A | Amorim
The Portuguese tactician arrived at Old Trafford in November. Still integrating his style of play into this group of players, he remains steadfast in implementing his 3-4-3 formation.
With the January transfer window now open, Amorim will be determined to cash in on some of United’s first-team squad, with Marcus Rashford expected to depart.
Following a busy transfer window in the Summer, United are treading dangerous waters in terms of the Premier League’s profitability and sustainability rules (PSR). Will this result in an increased incentive for a shake-up in the squad?
B | Bruno
Persevering with the Portuguese theme, United captain Bruno Fernandes has seen his performances fluctuate throughout 2024.
Peaking in the FA Cup final, Bruno was lauded for his first-time slip pass to assist Kobbie Mainoo in slotting the ball past Manchester City goalkeeper Steffen Ortega.
Since then, the Magnifico has come under fire due to his ill-discipline. With three red cards this season, albeit one rescinded, the 30-year-old has failed to meet the high standards supporters are accustomed to.
C | Carlos Fernandes
Yet another Portuguese man in the Old Trafford dugout. Fernandes was Ruben’s right-hand man at Braga B, Braga and Sporting Lisbon.
At just 30, he has endured 12 years of management, a career which began in the youth ranks of Benfica at a time when Amorim was in the senior ranks.
Now tasked with leading the team on set-pieces, an area of weakness for this United side, Carlos has a mammoth job to improve a crucial cog in a struggling machine.
D | Defensive woes
With 26 goals conceded in the league in 19 games this season, the Reds currently sit on a goal difference of -5.
Leny Yoro and Mattijis de Ligt were both strong defensive signings in the Summer, but, unfortunately, a series of lacklustre performances have paved the way for new signings in the January window, with a left-wing-back being the top priority.
E | Erik ten Hag
Erik ten Hag was relieved of his United duties following a dismal start to the 2024/2025 season. The Dutchman, who led his team to Carabao Cup and FA Cup glory, had his contract renewed in the Summer before vacating Old Trafford in November.
He came under fire for his apparent desire to sign Dutch players or individuals he previously worked with. Several of his signings have failed to meet the high standards demanded of the Stretford End.
F | Fans
“For the love, not the glory”, a quote that is now more relatable than ever. In a frustrating time for loyal fans worldwide, 99% have stood by the team and backed the manager and his new regime.
The 1% of clickbait and engagement-driven fans, creating social media toxicity within the fanbase, has created a false agenda against certain players, driven by a small cohort of online ‘content creators’.
G | Glazers
The Glazer family has been a topic of discussion for a number of years now. However, with INEOS stealing the headlines, the distant group have taken a back seat on football operations.
That said, the chant of “We want Glazers out” still rings around Old Trafford on matchday, with fans eliciting their discontent towards the club’s owners.
The family bought the club with debt, oversaw the demise and downfall of the Theatre of Dreams and undermined the footballing culture of England by backing plans for the European Super League.
H | Harry Maguire
2024 saw the resurgence of Harry Maguire, the ultimate professional. Subject to abhorrent abuse, the defender returned to form.
A constant subject of discussion, the United defence is far from solidified, and a string of strong performances may see the former captain regain his place in the starting team.
I | INEOS
The tyrannical rule of the INEOS ownership has come under significant criticism in the last six months. Cutting costs, cutting staff, and ticket price hikes have rightly earned them comparisons to the Glazers.
The latest laceration has come in the form of deciding to cut the £40,000 annual funding given to the Association of Former Manchester United Players (AFMUP), turning their back on club legends who have preceded them.
J | Jim Ratcliffe
Sir Jim Ratcliffe completed his acquisition of 27.7% of the club in 2024 before investing another £79 million in December to take his share of Manchester United to 28.94%.
Since then, United fans have been speculating about his vision for the club – is he focused on the finances or the football?
The manner of cost cuts has tarnished his reputation. However, he has implemented a functioning football structure in the club – something which has been absent under the Glazer ownership.
K | Kobbie Mainoo
What a year the teenage sensation had in red!
From scoring in the FA Cup final to his sensational winner in the 4-3 triumph away to Wolves, Kobbie Mainoo will be an ever-present in this Man United team going forward.
His calmness and composure on the ball are exceptional for his age. With few fans questioning his long-term suitability in Amorim’s system, Stretford Enders will yearn for the midfielder to develop his career and become a mainstay in the centre of midfield.
L | Leny Yoro
A prodigy in the centre of defence, Yoro has earned comparisons to former Red Raphael Varane. The 18-year-old’s competitive debut in the United defence was delayed due to a fractured foot sustained during a pre-season game against Arsenal.
But the French international has been introduced to the starting team recently, and fans expect him to accompany the aforementioned Mainoo in the United team for many years to come.
M | Marcus Rashford
Manchester-born and bred, Marcus Rashford will go down in history as one of the greats to grace the Old Trafford pitch.
The Englishman will be remembered for his contributions on and off the field. Having announced himself on the big stage with two goals on his debut vs FC Midtjylland, little did we know the impact this man would have on the club.
If we have seen the last of Rashford in a Manchester United jersey, he has provided some memorable moments, and real United fans will wish the best in his future endeavours.
O | Omar Berrada
Swooping in for Manchester City’s Head of Football Operations, Omar Berrada, was the first major statement of intent by INEOS.
Described as a financial genius by colleagues, the CEO has a portentous task on his hands to return United to the pinnacle of English football.
Berrada recently stated that his goal is to be successful by 2028, winning the Premier League on what will be the 150th anniversary of the club.
It may be an ambitious target, but this belief needs to be reinjected into Old Trafford.
P | Player Leaks
Week after week, particularly towards the concluding end of ten Hag’s tenure, line-up leaks appeared on Twitter.
It was evident that it was an internal leak, with several reputable journalists pondering as to whom it might be. Although never confirmed, many fans have their opinions on the source.
R | Rasmus Hojlund
Rasmus Hojlund has come under fire of late. His lack of service has seen some unwarranted criticism directed towards him.
Undeniably, the Dane needs to improve on several aspects of his game, but the incompetence of the powers above to not sign a more experienced striker for Rasmus to learn from cannot be ignored.
The former Atalanta man has the skills and the determination to lead this club for years to come, with a conversion rate of 20% so far this season.
Make no mistake, more goals will come from the United number nine.
S | Stadium development
The Old Trafford Stadium Survey appeared to cause some controversy amongst supporter groups, with 52% of fans opting for a new-build stadium at Old Trafford.
A task force has been assembled to regenerate the Old Trafford area, led by World Athletics President, Sebastian Coe.
Other members include Gary Neville and The Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham.
T | Tyrell Malacia
Tyrell Malacia returned to the playing field, featuring for the U21s in an EFL Trophy encounter against Huddersfield.
The former Feyenoord man continued his footballing revival by starting his first game for the senior side in 550 games against Bodo/Glimt. It remains to be seen if Malacia is part of Amorim’s long-term plans, with an exit from Old Trafford appearing likely in the future.
U | Underwhelming
The only adjective in the list, suitable to describe 2024 for Manchester United. Yes, an FA Cup victory over City was an exuberant occasion, albeit, a result that seems so far in the past. There has been little progress, if any, made since that glorious day in Wembley.
2025 will prove a challenge for Ruben Amorim and this cohort of players, the Europa League will be the club’s only route to European football next season, and there appears to be a mass exodus of players on the horizon.
Whatever the new year supplies, this team, low on confidence, will require the admiration and overwhelming support of the United faithful.
V | Victories
2024 paved the way for some of the most memorable victories in United history.
Amad Diallo’s late winner against Liverpool, the recent Manchester derby victory and the FA Cup triumph to name a few. Moments like these supply a reminder of why we endure these fluctuating emotions, curated by backing the team.
W | Women’s team
The Man United Women’s team also claimed FA Cup victory in 2024, defeating Spurs 4-0, resulting in their first major title at the top level of English football.
Mary Earps departed Old Trafford in the Summer alongside former captain Katie Zelem. Marc Skinner’s side currently sits fourth in the Women’s Super League.
Y | Youth Players
A number of the current crop of Carrington prodigies have lit up the pitch for the Young Reds this season.
Tyler and Jack Fletcher, sons of United legend Darren have been stalwarts on underage teams since signing their first professional contracts in 2024 after making the move from Man City.
Chido Obi-Martin, Jim Thwaites, Gabriel Biancheri and James Scanlon are just some of the many talented players on the path to forging successful careers in red.
Z | Zirkzee
Following the final game of 2024, one of the most downbeat and frankly disgusting moments of 2024 was the treatment of Joshua Zirkzee following his first-half substitution vs Newcastle.
The 23-year-old has struggled for form this season, but United fans are renowned for backing their players in the good times and bad. The former Serie A Young Player of the Year requires the support of Old Trafford, now more than ever.
Looking ahead to 2025, a youthful management team, accompanied by a fresh system, means the club are currently encountering a storm.
Indeed, the fortunes could change quickly with the right managerial decisions, player signings, and overall team cohesion. The time ahead could easily be more prominent than yesteryear.
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