Manchester United finally ended speculation over Erik ten Hag’s future by deciding to stick with the Dutch manager despite their disappointing 2023-24 campaign. United finished eighth in the Premier League and succumbed to early exits in the Champions League and League Cup, and the expectation was that he would be sacked at the end of the season.
Prior to the FA Cup final, the Guardian reported that United had decided to relieve Ten Hag of his duties, irrespective of the outcome of the Manchester derby at Wembley, but that has not proved to be the case. The Red Devils conducted a post-season review after the FA Cup final, and it was decided that the Dutchman was the right man for the job.
Since then, the INEOS backed United have been aggressive in the transfer market, already making two early signings. With more likely to follow, this is how the Old Trafford outfit could line up come the Community Shield in less than a months time.
Predicted United team for first game of 2024-25 season | |
|---|---|
Goalkeeper | Andre Onana |
Right-back | Diogo Dalot |
Centre-back | Leny Yoro |
Centre-back | Lisandro Martinez |
Left-back | Luke Shaw |
Centre-midfielder | Manuel Ugarte |
Centre-midfielder | Kobbie Mainoo |
Right-winger | Bruno Fernandes |
Attacking midfielder | Joshua Zirkzee |
Left-winger | Alejandro Garnacho |
Striker | Rasmus Hojlund |
Goalkeeper
Andre Onana
During the first few months of the season, Andre Onana’s form was seen as United’s biggest concern. After arriving from Inter Milan for £47million, the expectation was that he would change the way that United play with his composure on the ball and passing range. During the season prior, David de Gea’s perceived weakness with the ball at his feet was viewed as a major hindrance to the team’s ability to start attacks.
Onana made a series of high-profile mistakes at the beginning of the campaign, most notably in the Champions League, but recovered as the season progressed. He was not flawless, with mistakes against Sheffield United and Burnley in April setting him back, but he will clearly be United’s first-choice goalkeeper heading into the new season.
Defence
Diogo Dalot, Leny Yoro, Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw
United suffered a multitude of injuries at centre-back last season, and with Raphael Varane leaving the club, new arrivals were needed. Step up Leny Yoro. The Red Devils swooped in under the noses of Real Madrid to sign the wonderkid, who will partner Lisandro Martinez. The Argentine has been plagued by injuries since breaking his foot in a Europa League game against Sevilla over a year ago and Ten Hag will hope the injury woes are a thing of the past. If not though, the possible signings of Jarrad Branthwaite or Matthijs De Ligt are not out of the window.
Diogo Dalot was one of United’s players of the season and he is ahead of Aaron Wan-Bissaka when everybody is fit. Left-back was a problem position for United, with Luke Shaw missing a large part of the season and Tyrell Malacia missing the campaign in its entirety. Miguel Gutierrez is one name that is being touted as another potential option to add much needed depth on the left-hand side, but if Shaw can stay fit, he will likely start.
Midfield
Manuel Ugarte, Kobbie Mainoo
United were overrun in midfield far too often, and they need to add some athleticism in that area of the team. Kobbie Mainoo is an outstanding prospect who has played well beyond his years for both club and country in recent times. In order to not leave him exposed though, a more disciplined partner is necessary in the engine room.
The man on everyone’s lips appears to be Manuel Ugarte. Ten Hag was keen on the Uruguayan before his move to Paris Saint-Germain, and a deal is still possible a year later. Talks have continued between the two parties, and following Leny Yoro’s arrival at the club, it is widely expected that a midfielder will be next on the list of priorities.
Attack
Bruno Fernandes, Joshua Zirkzee, Alejandro Garnacho, Rasmus Hojlund
Although a new right-winger is needed at the Theatre of Dreams, Ten Hag will need to look in house. Antony’s days appear numbered, and while Jadon Sancho is back at the club, it is unlikely he walks into the starting XI given the previous issues between player and coach. However, Joshua Zirkzee’s arrival at the club could see Bruno Fernandes move more permanently to the right as an inverted winger, with INEOS’s first signing slotting in at the number 10 role as he is capable of doing.
Alejandro Garnacho will be looking to build on a couple of breakthrough seasons, keeping the out of form Marcus Rashford out of the team. He will be looking to continue assisting Rasmus Hojlund, who will hope to make a quicker start to his second Premier League campaign than his first.