Eager supporters are counting down the seconds for the 2024-25 Premier League campaign, and as always, Expectations remain high for Manchester United.
From watching every minute of United’s pre-season friendlies to attending the Community Shield defeat – I have gathered some thoughts.
Pre-Season Positives
The FA Cup champions won two friendlies out of five fixtures – losing to Arsenal, Liverpool and Rosenborg.
Despite what some outlets may have you believe, the outcomes of such fixtures are not crucial to the team’s improvements.
Toby Collyer has impressed massively and has begun enforcing his impact on the first team.
The youngster impressed in the final 31 minutes of the Community Shield and played half the football on offer throughout pre-season.
Impressively, the 20-year-old recorded a 93% pass accuracy rate – completing 13 passes out of the 14 attempted during the Wembley showdown.
The manager has shown trust in Collyer, and supporters will want to see more of him in the season ahead.
Amad Diallo is another player who continues to impress – scoring two goals in pre-season and starring at the weekend.
I expect him to retain his place in the starting lineup for the Premier League opener against Fulham on Friday.
Transfer Business
The arrival of Joshua Zirkzee and Leny Yoro is an exciting prospect for young talent coming to the North West.
We have yet to see Zirkzee kick a ball in anger, but he could be in contention to get some game time on Friday.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka has officially departed – paving the way for Noussair Mazraoui.
Personal attachment to Wan-Bissaka aside, this seems like a positive move for all parties involved.
Mazraoui is comfortable playing on either side of the centre-backs, which offers depth – particularly important considering Luke Shaw’s injury record.
Matthijs de Ligt has finally been confirmed as a Manchester United player. This is a shrewd acquisition – regardless of Paul Scholes’ criticism.
The powerful defender is 25 years of age and entering the peak of his powers as he rejoins Erik ten Hag.
My opinion of the midfield department would be that the 20-time champions need to strengthen their options.
Casemiro appeared to be on the way out at the beginning of the window, although it seems he is in Ten Hag’s plans.
There has been heavy interest in Scott McTominay, and if he is to depart, the club would appear to be leaving themselves short.
Injuries aside, United are introducing strength-in-depth, which will be required for a congested schedule.
Predictions
United have been shrewd in their business, both on and off the field – allowing supporters to be cautiously optimistic.
The club last won the Europa League in 2017 and is placed well to do so again this season.
Alongside this, a top-four finish should be deemed a successful season.
The FA and Carabao Cup fall in my pecking order when evaluating the competitions United will participate in. Everything considered, here are my predictions for the campaign.
League finish: 3rd
Europa League: Winners
FA Cup: Quarter-Finals
Carabao Cup: Fourth round
What are your expectations for Manchester United in the coming season, and do you agree with my predictions?
Let us know in the comments or across our social channels.
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