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Manchester United 2024/25 Season Preview – Fixtures, Transfers, Potential XI, Prediction

Manchester United 2023/24 Season Preview - fixtures, transfers, potential XI, prediction

After the enormous success of his debut season, many expected Erik ten Hag to push on and re-establish Manchester United as a Premier League powerhouse.

However, what followed was the worst-ever campaign in the club’s illustrious history.

United finished eighth in the Premier League table, eight points off the Champions League places and a staggering 31 behind champions Manchester City.

Despite the appalling campaign, United ended the 2023/24 season on a high, beating their local neighbours in the FA Cup final to clinch the title at Wembley Stadium.

That triumph somewhat spared Ten Hag’s blushes as it secured United a place in the Europa League, but the Dutchman’s future still hangs in the balance despite signing a contract extension earlier this month.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s arrival signalled a new era for United. The INEOS chairman expressed his commitment to restoring the club to the pinnacle of domestic and continental football.

However, United’s primary objective next season would be to return to the Champions League, and anything less could spell trouble for Ten Hag.

United have been active in the transfer market, strengthening key areas of Ten Hag’s squad, so the Dutchman cannot afford a sluggish start to the season.

While competing for the Premier League title would be a bridge too far for Ten Hag next term, the board and fans will expect silverware in the domestic and Europa League competitions.

New contract or not, the upcoming season could be make or break for Ten Hag’s future at the Theatre of Dreams. 

Here’s our United season preview for 2024/25. Match-going fans can purchase their Manchester United tickets from seatsnet.com at unbeatable prices.  

United fixtures – Ten Hag needs a fast start

United will kick off the season with favourable fixtures, although they’ll take on fierce rivals Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur within the opening six games.

Ten Hag’s side host Fulham at Old Trafford in their 2024/25 curtain raiser, and there’ll be an element of revenge in the air, with the Red Devils keen to atone for their disappointing 2-1 defeat to the Cottagers last season.

United will then head to the South Coast to take on Brighton & Hove Albion, who would be a different prospect under new manager Fabian Hurzeler.

United fans wouldn’t have to wait long for the first blockbuster showdown of the season as Ten Hag’s side round up their August fixtures by hosting Liverpool at Old Trafford in the Northwest Derby on Matchday three.

Unlike in previous campaigns where this matchup was largely one-sided, both sides couldn’t be separated during their Premier League meetings last term.

They settled for a goalless draw at Anfield before playing out a 2-2 draw at Old Trafford, although United had the last laugh in the FA Cup.

The Red Devils eliminated Jurgen Klopp’s side in a breathtaking quarter-final battle thanks to a last-minute strike from Amad Diallo in extra time. 

There tends to be plenty of fireworks when United and Liverpool collide. 

It remains to be seen how Liverpool will fare under new manager Arne Slot, but a win for Ten Hag’s troops could set them on their way to an exciting campaign.

United kick off September with back-to-back trips to newly promoted Southampton and high-flying Crystal Palace before taking on Spurs at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

The Red Devils haven’t beaten Spurs in their last three outings, so it’ll be a tricky trip for Ten Hag and his troops, but United need to navigate the opening period with as many wins as possible. 

A sluggish start to the season could spell trouble for Ten Hag, especially given the significant investment in strengthening his squad.

Transfer business

Revamping United’s recruitment team was a top priority for Ratcliffe, who had criticised the club’s underwhelming transfer dealings over the years.

The new-look recruitment team has hit the ground running with the addition of Joshua Zirkzee and Leny Yoro, with the latter considered a major coup for United.

However, United’s summer business isn’t over yet. Casemiro is expected to leave the club this summer after an appalling 2023/24 campaign that proved he is past his prime.

United are looking to sign a defensive midfielder to replace the Brazilian and have set their sights on Paris Saint-Germain ace Manuel Ugarte.

Morocco star Sofyan Amrabat is also on the club’s extensive shortlist, but Ugarte is considered a priority – a decision solidified by his impressive performances at the 2024 Copa America. 

Despite the addition of Yoro, United could still sign another centre-back this summer. They are still interested in Bayern Munich star Matthijs de Ligt despite prioritising a move for Yoro.

Raphael Varane is the most notable exit from Old Trafford this summer.

The Frenchman departed the club after his contract expired, and his countryman Anthony Martial followed him through the exit.

United have also sold academy graduates Mason Greenwood and Willy Kambwala, as well as Dutch midfielder Donny van de Beek. 

Harry Maguire, Scott McTominay, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, and Victor Lindelof are all facing uncertain futures at Old Trafford.

Potential starting line-up 

Andre Onana will remain United’s undisputed first-choice, with Diogo Dalot, Luke Shaw, Lisandro Martinez and Yoro lining up ahead of the Cameroon international shot-stopper.

If United are successful in their quest to sign Ugarte, the Uruguayan will replace Casemiro at the base of the midfield and could establish a dynamic partnership with Kobbie Mainoo. 

The wonderkid had an exceptional breakthrough campaign last term and played a key role in England’s run to the 2024 European Championship final in Germany.

He should be guaranteed a spot in midfield ahead of his countryman Mason Mount, who has struggled to find his feet since completing his big-money move from Chelsea last summer. 

Per usual, Bruno Fernandes will pull the strings for United in the number ten role and will be flanked by Marcus Rashford and Copa America winner Alejandro Garnacho.

It remains to be seen who will become United’s designated striker next season, but Rasmus Hojlund will be keen to build on his decent debut campaign after scoring 16 goals in 43 games. 

4-2-3-1: Onana; Dalot, Yoro, Martinez, Shaw; Ugarte, Mainoo; Rashford, Fernandes, Garnacho; Hojlund.

What to expect

United hit rock bottom last season, and it simply cannot get any worse.

They’ve made some shrewd moves in the transfer market this summer, so Ten Hag should have a strong enough squad to improve on last season’s abysmal performance.

Winning the Premier League title is out of the question, but qualifying for the Champions League is well within United’s reach.

A Europa League challenge is a realistic ambition, but whether they have what it takes to go all the way remains to be seen.

Domestic competitions will be Ten Hag’s best chance at claiming silverware. 

The Dutchman has shown that he has what it takes to thrive in knockout football, so United will fancy their chances of retaining their FA Cup crown and potentially doing a double by clinching the League Cup title. 

Predicted finish: 4th

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