A season of talking points for Manchester United
Throughout a campaign of weekly lows that ended in the sweetest of highs, Manchester United supporters have endured it all in 2023/24.
The Reds suffered their worst Premier League finish in eighth place – while succumbing to a calamity of errors and poor judgements throughout the Champions League and EFL Cup.
But, amidst a collection of off-the-field issues – to accompany the variety of those on the playing surface, an FA Cup victory over Pep Guardiola’s side offered renewed hope.
While the world awaits the results of Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s end-of-season Ineos review, the future of Erik ten Hag remains unclear – with fans eager for confirmation.
As cogs now turn towards the latest chapter in the Theatre of Dreams, let us stop and consider three key talking points from a tumultuous time in Manchester.
Injuries
Utter the word quietly, but the topic of injuries – as taboo as it has become – is the underlying issue that – for many – derailed any momentum built in the previous campaign.
Such was the fallout from a catalogue of weekly ordeals that, factually, United endured the most injuries of any side in the Premier League with 45 separate cases.
But, beyond that figure, the scale of damage caused to crucial first-team players was unlike anything that Ten Hag, Ratcliffe or any supporter could have imagined.
In defence – a crucial area for any functioning side – 26 variations of back four played in 38 Premier League outings. Additionally, there were 15 different centre-back partnerships, with Casemiro fulfilling the duties on six occasions.
With Luke Shaw, Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane missing for extensive periods, catastrophic injuries were felt further up the field, with Mason Mount leading the list of absentees that even infected the seemingly inhuman figure of Bruno Fernandes.
In total, injuries contributed to a combined sum of 1829 days & 349 matches missed throughout the squad, with endless uncertainty landing at the feet of the Dutch chief.
While this is not the sole reason for the unacceptable displays at times, disregarding the undoubted issues that these injuries caused is foolhardy.
Trust in the youth
If there was a stand-out conversation about an undeniable plus point throughout the campaign, it inevitably lands with the topic of youth. Paint it whatever way you will, but Ten Hag has embraced Sir Matt Busby’s ethos and very much trusted the kids.
In Kobbie Mainoo, United have unleashed a midfielder who has played himself into contention for a starting birth at Euro 2024. At 19, many believe we are witnessing the emergence of a generational talent whose goal at Wembley typified his season – it was inevitable.
Ahead of him was the ever-present figure of Alejandro Garnacho. The Argentine is also 19 and contributed a staggering ten goals and five assists during a campaign that saw him win the Premier League’s goal of the season. His opener in the Wembley showpiece summarised his unequivocal threat up front.
Leading the line is the undoubted promise of Rasmus Hojlund. The Dane may have endured a lack of opportunities, but his tally of 16 goals and two assists left him less than a handful shy of a goal contribution every other game. Remember, United’s number nine is only 21!
While it may have taken time to overcome a stubborn injury and play himself into first-team contention, 21-year-old Amad Diallo ended the season extremely strong and scored a memorable goal against Liverpool en route to the FA Cup final. His technical ability and calmness in possession may have solved the club’s dilemma on the right wing.
Additionally, several other youthful stars emerged, with Willy Kambwala offering an exciting prospect in defence. Dan Gore, Omari Forson and Jimmy-Murphy award-winning Ethan Wheatley also debuted during a profitable season for United’s notable academy conveyor belt.
FA Cup bragging rights
Unexpected, magical and memorable – just three words used to describe The Reds’ deserved victory over Manchester City in the capital.
A tactical masterclass from Ten Hag saw United restrict the Blues to long-ranged efforts – as Erling Haaland and teammates cut the figures of a very frustrated crew.
The 2-1 victory sealed a 13th FA Cup triumph for the Old Trafford giants, closing the page on a seemingly unthinkable outcome – given the Jekyll and Hyde season that had played out.
But, this was an outing that saw the return of Martinez and Varane at the heart of the defence, with Sofyan Amrabat marshalling proceedings ahead of them – amazing what can happen when you have your veteran players playing confidently alongside each other.
It was the second domestic trophy in as many seasons for the manager, leading the majority of the fanbase to plead (online) for Ratcliffe’s Ineos to leave their chief at the helm for the upcoming season.
For me, like many, the overwhelming thought is what could have been if injuries had not derailed any momentum previously gained – without diving into any of the other variables that contributed to the manager working with a hand behind his back.
For now, the hope is for a Wembley masterclass to act as a catalyst alongside the integration of a special crop of younger players.
On to 2024/25. Up the Reds!
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