Manchester United Season Review
Manchester United suffered a horrendous 2024/2025 season as they managed to drop even further down the league table, they struggled in the domestic cups and fell at the last hurdle in Europe. United were fortunate that the league had a handful of sides worse than them across the year as they could have ended up in a relegation battle that nobody would have predicted after the FA Cup final success last season.
With a managerial change, off-field turmoil and huge changes still needed, United finish the season in the worst and most disappointing manner. As a result, we have plenty to go through in this season review. We will break down the performances in each competition this season, look at the off-field issues and managerial changes, assess the squad overall and also celebrate the women’s team success as they actually performed at an expected level while those on the men’s team couldn’t.
As always, if you have any thoughts on Manchester United this season or going into the summer and the opportunity to start again, get in touch with us by leaving a comment, following us on Bluesky (@NextGoalWinner) or Instagram (@NextGoalWin) and check out our YouTube channel (@NextGoalWinner).
Premier League
Manchester United’s 2024/25 Premier League season was marked by inconsistency and underperformance, culminating in a 15th placed finish, their lowest since the league’s inception. The campaign was characterized by managerial changes, tactical adjustments, and a series of disappointing results that left fans and pundits alike questioning the club’s direction.
The season commenced under Erik ten Hag, who had his contract extended in July 2024. However, United’s form quickly deteriorated. After a promising 1–0 victory over Fulham on opening day, the team suffered back-to-back defeats to Brighton and Liverpool, the latter a humbling 0–3 loss at Old Trafford. A 3–0 win against Southampton offered brief respite, but draws against Crystal Palace and Aston Villa, coupled with a 0–3 home defeat to Tottenham, signalled deeper issues. By late October, United had amassed just 11 points from nine games, sitting 14th in the table. A 2–1 loss to West Ham, decided by a controversial stoppage-time penalty, proved the final straw, leading to Ten Hag’s dismissal the following day.
Ruud van Nistelrooy briefly assumed interim duties before Rúben Amorim was appointed. Amorim’s tenure began with a 1–1 draw against Ipswich Town, followed by a commanding 4–0 victory over Everton. However, inconsistency persisted. A notable high point was a 2–1 away win against Manchester City on the 15th December, with late goals from Bruno Fernandes and Amad Diallo. Yet, this was offset by defeats to Arsenal and Nottingham Forest, the latter a 2–3 loss at home.
The festive period was particularly challenging. United suffered consecutive defeats to Bournemouth (0–3), Wolverhampton Wanderers (0–2), and Newcastle United (0–2). A 2–2 draw against Liverpool at Anfield on the 5th January offered a glimmer of hope, but losses to Brighton and Crystal Palace in January and February deepened the crisis. A 1–0 defeat to Tottenham on the 16th February further exemplified the team’s struggles.
United’s form slightly improved in the spring, with victories over Southampton, Fulham, and Leicester City. However, these results were insufficient to climb the table significantly. The season concluded with a 2–0 home win against Aston Villa, denying the visitors a Champions League spot. Despite this, United finished 15th with 42 points and a goal difference of -10.
Manchester United’s 2024/25 Premier League campaign was a season to forget. Marked by managerial upheaval, tactical inconsistencies, and underwhelming performances, the club’s 15th placed finish underscored the need for significant changes. As the Red Devils look ahead, a comprehensive reassessment of strategy and personnel will be crucial to restoring their former glory.
League Cup
Manchester United’s 2024/25 League Cup journey was a rollercoaster of emphatic victories and a narrow, heart-wrenching exit, reflecting the team’s broader challenges during the season.
The Red Devils commenced their campaign in the third round, hosting Barnsley at Old Trafford on the 17th September 2024. In a dominant display, United triumphed 7–0, with Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho each netting twice, Antony converting a penalty, and Christian Eriksen adding a late brace. The performance showcased United’s attacking prowess and set a positive tone for their cup aspirations.
On the 30th October, United faced Leicester City in the fourth round at Old Trafford. This match marked Ruud van Nistelrooy’s debut as interim manager following Erik ten Hag’s departure. United secured a 5–2 victory, with Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes each scoring twice and Garnacho adding another. The win not only advanced United to the quarter-finals but also provided a morale boost amid managerial transitions.
The quarter-final clash on the 19th December against Tottenham Hotspur at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium was a thrilling encounter. Despite goals from Joshua Zirkzee, Amad Diallo, and a stoppage-time effort by Jonny Evans, United fell 4–3. The match was a testament to United’s fighting spirit but ultimately highlighted defensive vulnerabilities that plagued their season.
United’s EFL Cup run, though ending in disappointment, offered glimpses of attacking flair and resilience. However, the inability to maintain defensive solidity in crucial moments underscored the challenges faced throughout their campaign.
FA Cup
Manchester United’s defence of their FA Cup title in the 2024/25 season was short-lived, culminating in a fifth-round exit that epitomized the club’s broader struggles during a tumultuous campaign.
United’s journey began with a challenging away fixture against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on the 12th January 2025. In a tightly contested match, both sides managed a goal apiece during regular and extra time. The deadlock led to a penalty shootout, where United held their nerve, converting all five spot-kicks to Arsenal’s three, thus advancing to the fourth round.
On the 7th February 2025, United hosted Leicester City at Old Trafford. The home side secured a 2–1 victory, despite the controversy over United’s late winner from Harry Maguire which who was clearly offside as he put United ahead. This win propelled United into the fifth round, maintaining hopes of a successful title defence.
The fifth-round clash on 2nd March 2025 saw United face Fulham at Old Trafford. Fulham took the lead through a header from Calvin Bassey, but United responded with a goal from Bruno Fernandes, resulting in a 1–1 draw after extra time. The match proceeded to a penalty shootout, where Fulham’s goalkeeper, Bernd Leno, emerged as the hero, saving attempts from Victor Lindelöf and Joshua Zirkzee. Fulham converted four of their penalties to United’s three, eliminating the holders from the competition.
United’s FA Cup campaign, though showing moments of resilience, ultimately mirrored the inconsistencies that plagued their season. The early exit underscored the challenges faced by the team and the need for introspection and rebuilding in the subsequent season.
Europa League
Manchester United’s 2024/25 UEFA Europa League journey was a rollercoaster of emotions, marked by an unbeaten run in the league phase, dramatic knockout victories, and a narrow defeat in the final. Despite the ultimate disappointment, the campaign showcased the team’s resilience and attacking prowess on the European stage.
Entering the newly formatted league phase, United faced eight different opponents, playing four matches at home and four away. The campaign began with three consecutive draws: a 1–1 stalemate against Twente at Old Trafford, a thrilling 3–3 encounter with Porto in Portugal, and a 1–1 draw away to Fenerbahçe. These results left United in a precarious position, but they responded with five successive victories.
A 2–0 home win over PAOK, featuring a brace from Amad Diallo, ignited the turnaround. Subsequent victories included a 3–2 triumph over Bodø/Glimt, a 2–1 away win at Viktoria Plzeň, a 2–1 home victory against Rangers, and a 2–0 success at FCSB. Finishing third in the league standings, United advanced directly to the Round of 16 as the only unbeaten team in the phase.
United faced Real Sociedad in the Round of 16. The first leg in Spain ended 1–1, with Joshua Zirkzee scoring for United. In the return leg at Old Trafford, Bruno Fernandes delivered a masterclass, netting a hat-trick, including two penalties, in a 4–1 victory that secured a 5–2 aggregate win.
The quarter-final against Lyon was a high-scoring affair. The first leg in France concluded 2–2, with goals from Leny Yoro and Zirkzee. The second leg at Old Trafford was a nine-goal thriller. United led 3–2 in regular time, with goals from Manuel Ugarte, Diogo Dalot, and Fernandes. In extra time, Kobbie Mainoo and Harry Maguire scored late goals to seal a 5–4 win, resulting in a 7–6 aggregate victory.
In the semi-finals, United faced Athletic Bilbao. The first leg at San Mamés saw United dominate, winning 3–0 with goals from Casemiro and a brace from Fernandes. The second leg at Old Trafford continued the onslaught, with Mason Mount scoring twice, Casemiro adding another, and Rasmus Højlund completing the 4–1 win. The 7–1 aggregate score line highlighted United’s attacking dominance.
The final, held at San Mamés on the 21st May 2025, pitted United against Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur. In a tightly contested match, Brennan Johnson’s 42nd-minute goal proved decisive. Despite United’s efforts, they couldn’t find an equalizer, and the match ended 1–0 in Tottenham’s favour. The defeat marked United’s first loss in the competition and denied them a European trophy, qualification into next season’s Champions League and over £100million that would come as a result.
Throughout the Europa League campaign, United scored 21 goals and conceded 11, maintaining an average possession of 57.5% and a passing accuracy of 85.6%. Bruno Fernandes emerged as the team’s standout performer, contributing significantly to the goal tally and earning a spot in the UEFA Europa League Team of the Season alongside Casemiro.
Manchester United’s 2024/25 Europa League campaign was a testament to their resilience and attacking flair. While the journey ended in disappointment, the team’s performances provided moments of brilliance and hope for the future. The experience gained and lessons learned could serve as a foundation for rebuilding and striving for success in the seasons to come.
Squad
Manchester United’s 2024/25 season was marked by significant squad changes, managerial shifts, and inconsistent performances across all competitions. Under the stewardship of Erik ten Hag and later Rúben Amorim, the team experienced a blend of youthful promise and veteran challenges, culminating in a 15th-place Premier League finish and a runners-up spot in the UEFA Europa League.
André Onana remained United’s first-choice goalkeeper throughout the majority of the season, although under Amorim, backup Altay Bayindir was called upon to give Onana a break from the spotlight after some big errors cost United, and the off-field war of words with former United midfielder Matic which led to occasional rotation. Fans remain mixed on the future between the sticks for Onana at Old Trafford, with his quality clearly on show at points, but erratic nature too often leading to worries in the fanbase.
The defence saw a mix of seasoned players and new signings. Matthijs de Ligt,, brought leadership and composure to the backline. Leny Yoro, showed glimpses of his potential before a foot injury side-lined him early in the season before returning to play a key role in the final half of the season, while Mazraoui offered United possible the best value for money of any player this season. Veterans like Harry Maguire and Jonny Evans provided depth, with Maguire contributing crucial goals in cup competitions. Diogo Dalot was supported by newcomer Patrick Dorgu who took the role as wing-back alongside Mazraoui, Amad and youngster Harry Amass at various points in the season.
The midfield was anchored by Casemiro, whose experience was vital in both domestic and European matches. Bruno Fernandes, serving as captain, was the team’s creative fulcrum, leading United’s scoring charts with 16 goals across all competitions. Manuel Ugarte, a signing from Paris Saint-Germain in the summer, added tenacity and ball-winning capabilities to the midfield. Youngster Kobbie Mainoo continued to show himself as a talent, contributing both defensively and offensively, but occasionally struggled to remain a first choice pick at points during the season.
The attacking line featured a blend of youth and experience. Amad Diallo had a breakout season, scoring nine goals and earning the club’s Goal of the Season award for his winner against Manchester City. Alejandro Garnacho matched Diallo’s tally, showcasing his flair and finishing prowess. Joshua Zirkzee, signed for £36.5 million, provided crucial goals in cup competitions. Rasmus Højlund, despite a promising start, struggled with consistency, enduring a 16-match Premier League goal drought. Marcus Rashford and Antony contributed sporadically, with Rashford scoring seven goals and Antony adding one before both departed in January after the new managerial appointment decided he wasn’t looking to utilise either player in his system.
Manchester United’s 2024/25 squad embodied a team in transition, balancing the integration of new talents with the phasing out of long-serving players. While the season’s results fell short of expectations, the experiences gained and the emergence of young prospects laid a foundation for future rebuilding efforts, but too often individuals disappointed, players looked frustrated and beaten and the morale of the club seems to be reaching new lows week by week.
Manager
The 2024/25 season was a tumultuous chapter in Manchester United’s storied history, marked by managerial upheaval and a quest for identity. The campaign began under Erik ten Hag, whose tenure unravelled amidst poor performances, leading to his dismissal. The club then turned to Rúben Amorim, hoping his fresh philosophy would steer the team back to glory.
Erik ten Hag entered the season with renewed confidence, having secured a contract extension in July 2024. However, early signs of trouble emerged. United’s campaign kicked off with a 1–1 draw against Manchester City in the Community Shield, followed by a penalty shootout loss. In the Premier League, the team struggled, amassing just 11 points from nine games and languishing in 14th place. A 2–1 defeat to West Ham United, marred by a controversial late penalty, proved the final straw. On the 28th October 2024, Ten Hag was relieved of his duties.
Critics pointed to Ten Hag’s recruitment strategy as a significant factor in his downfall. High-profile signings like Antony and Mason Mount failed to deliver consistent performances, raising questions about the club’s transfer policy.
On the 1st November 2024, United announced the appointment of Rúben Amorim as head coach, with his tenure commencing on the 11th November. Amorim, known for his innovative 3-4-3 system at Sporting CP, faced the daunting task of revitalizing a faltering squad.
Amorim’s debut resulted in a 1–1 draw against Ipswich Town. He secured his first victory with a 4–0 triumph over Everton and made headlines by becoming the first United manager since Sir Alex Ferguson to win his inaugural Manchester derby, defeating Manchester City 2–1 at the Etihad Stadium.
Despite these highlights, consistency eluded United. The team finished 15th in the Premier League, their worst position since 1973–74. In the Europa League, they reached the final but suffered a narrow 1–0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur.
Amorim’s implementation of a 3-4-3 formation marked a significant shift from Ten Hag’s approach. This system emphasized possession and high pressing, leading to an increase in average possession from 53.91% to 58.72%. However, the transition proved challenging for a squad built for a different style. Defensive lapses and inconsistent performances highlighted the growing pains of this tactical overhaul.
Veteran defender Harry Maguire acknowledged the stark contrast between the two managers, noting that Amorim’s philosophy was the “total opposite” of Ten Hag’s.
The managerial changes came at a significant financial cost. Sacking Ten Hag and his staff required a £10.4 million pay-out, while hiring Amorim and his team added another £11 million. To offset these expenses, the club raised ticket prices, a move that sparked backlash from supporters.
As Manchester United prepares for the 2025/26 season, the focus remains on stability and rebuilding. Amorim’s vision offers a blueprint for the future, but its success hinges on strategic recruitment and player adaptation. The journey ahead is fraught with challenges, but with a clear direction, United aims to reclaim its place among football’s elite.
Off-Field
The 2024/25 season was one of the most tumultuous in Manchester United’s modern history, not just for the dismal 15th-place Premier League finish, but for the off-field crises that engulfed the club. From financial instability and sweeping redundancies to fan unrest and player controversies, the season exposed deep structural issues at Old Trafford, leaving supporters disillusioned and the club’s leadership under intense scrutiny.
United’s financial woes were laid bare early in the campaign. The club reported a £6.9 million operating loss for the first quarter of the 2024/25 financial year, driven by a 20.4% drop in broadcasting revenue due to the absence from the Champions League. Commercial and matchday revenues also declined, exacerbating the financial strain.
The situation worsened with revelations of a £300million debt+, much of which is due in 2026. Failure to meet this obligation could lead to severe consequences, including point deductions or even relegation from the Premier League.
In response, the club initiated a cost-cutting program, resulting in approximately 250 staff redundancies across all departments. These measures are expected to yield annualized savings of £40–45 million but have drawn criticism for their impact on staff morale and club culture.
Supporters, particularly long-standing season ticket holders, expressed outrage over significant ticket price increases. Some elderly fans faced hikes of up to 70%, leading to accusations of the club disregarding decades of loyalty. This move, aimed at offsetting financial losses, further strained the relationship between the club and its fanbase.
Additional cost-saving measures, such as relocating youth matches from Old Trafford to smaller venues and cancelling traditional events like the Christmas party, compounded fan, player and staff dissatisfaction.
The season was marred by internal discord and player controversies. A post-season tour in Asia turned chaotic, with incidents involving players Alejandro Garnacho and Amad Diallo making offensive gestures towards fans. Club legend David Beckham publicly criticized the squad for their behaviour, emphasizing the importance of representing the club with dignity.
Additionally, star midfielder Bruno Fernandes sparked speculation about his future with a cryptic social media post, amid reports of a lucrative offer from Saudi club Al Hilal.
Erik ten Hag began the season as manager but was dismissed in October 2024 after a series of poor results left the team in 14th place. Assistant manager Ruud van Nistelrooy took interim charge until Rúben Amorim was appointed in November. Despite some initial successes, including a victory in the Manchester derby, Amorim was unable to significantly improve the team’s league position.
The managerial changes, coupled with the club’s financial constraints, limited Amorim’s ability to make significant squad improvements, highlighting the challenges faced by the new leadership.
The 2024/25 season exposed deep-rooted issues within Manchester United, both on and off the field. Financial instability, fan discontent, and internal discord have left the club at a crossroads. The decisions made in the upcoming months will be critical in determining whether Manchester United can reclaim its status as a footballing powerhouse or continue its decline.
As the club prepares for the 2025/26 season, the focus must be on restoring financial health, rebuilding trust with supporters, and establishing a clear vision for the future.
Looking Ahead
As the dust settles on a tumultuous 2024/25 season, Manchester United approaches the 2025/26 campaign at a crossroads. A 15th-place Premier League finish, Europa League heartbreak in the final, and mounting off-field concerns have left supporters yearning for a return to stability. The months ahead promise to be decisive for the club’s future.
Rúben Amorim’s appointment last November signalled a shift in tactical philosophy, emphasizing a fluid 3-4-3 system with high pressing and possession dominance. However, the squad’s adaptation was inconsistent, and the challenges of implementing this approach mid-season were evident. With a full pre-season under his belt, Amorim now has the opportunity to mould the squad more decisively in his image. Recruitment will be pivotal, with the summer transfer window offers the chance to address the imbalances and defensive frailties that haunted United throughout the previous campaign.
United’s recruitment team, led by Omar Berrada and Jason Wilcox under the INEOS-backed structure, faces a critical test. With the club’s financial position under scrutiny and a looming debt, acquisitions must be both strategic and sustainable. Young talents could be on the chopping block to raise funds, while Bruno Fernandes’ future amid reported interest from Saudi Arabia could reshape the team’s creative core.
The squad also needs reinforcements at full-back and in midfield, where reliance on ageing legs has left the team vulnerable. Questions remain over Rasmus Højlund’s development as a reliable frontman and limited options remain after United’s attacking options will be culled following the return of several players who will likely make permanent moves away this summer.
Off the pitch, tensions between the club and its supporters must be addressed. Fan protests over ticket price hikes and dissatisfaction with the club’s handling of financial and staffing issues have eroded trust. A transparent, fan-focused approach from the INEOS leadership will be essential to rebuild bridges with the Old Trafford faithful.
Despite the challenges, there is a cautious optimism. The emergence of young talents, the tactical clarity Amorim brings, and the potential for a more streamlined recruitment strategy offer a glimmer of hope. However, the margin for error is slim. Another season of underachievement could deepen United’s crisis, both sporting and financial.
As the 2025/26 season approaches, Manchester United stands at a precipice. Success will hinge on wise investments, tactical cohesion, and a renewed commitment to engaging with supporters. The path to resurgence is fraught with obstacles, but with the right moves, United can begin the long road back to the summit of English football.
Women’s Team
In their 6th season in the WSL, the women’s side was a shining light at Manchester United amid the chaos of the men’s setup. Despite still feeling like they’ve been pushed aside by the INEOS ownership, they’ve pushed on and turned a slower start into a strong finish to the season.
Despite questions over his future, Marc Skinner was given a 1 year extension of his contract heading into the season, but mid-way through this was extended further as he began to help his side turn their draws into wins and push on for a strong league finish. Although they also lost captain Katie Zelem in the summer, Maya Le Tissier took over the captaincy and while the club have to compete in the league with a dominant Chelsea side, they ended in the Champions League spots for qualification next season, and also made yet another FA Cup final, but came undone against Chelsea (again) which meant they were unable to retain their title.
While the women’s game is still showing a gap between Chelsea and the chasing pack, Manchester United are now entrenched in this group of chasers and with a possible Champions League campaign next season, and consistent cup finals in recent seasons, they are a reason to be positive at United and hopefully will be given the deserved attention and recognition from the higher-ups going into the next campaign.
If you have any thoughts on Manchester United this season or going into the summer and the opportunity to start again, get in touch with us by leaving a comment, following us on Bluesky (@NextGoalWinner) or Instagram (@NextGoalWin) and check out our YouTube channel (@NextGoalWinner).