Why Manchester United might surprise people this season
The 2021-22 Premier League campaign could not have been any worse for Manchester United. Lowest point tally in their Premier League history, a zero goal difference, and sixth place in the league table. A season that started with high expectations after a fantastic summer crashed and club supporters felt like they’d hit rock bottom.
All that must be put behind them as there is a new era – again – at Manchester United. The phrase “New era at United” might seems like a broken record considering the number of times it’s been said over the last 10 years, but this time it feels different. The reason for that? The arrival of Erik Ten Hag has brought excitement back to Old Trafford amid hopes that he can bring success back to the club.
The transfer window has been mediocre for United as they have brought in just three players: Tyrell Malacia, Lisandro Martinez, and Christian Eriksen. They have not gotten their priority target – Barcelona midfielder Frenkie De Jong. That saga is a debate for another day.
Whilst the transfer window has been average, United’s start in preseason has been exceptional. The results are impressive and, most importantly, the performances are great and if they are a hint of what we might see, fans should be excited.
The three preseason games were a good test to see how United players are receiving Ten Hag’s instructions and if how well they are being implemented. While it has not been perfect, the signs of a team that might overachieve is there as of right now. Concerns that it is just preseason are warranted, but the argument can be made that its impressive United players are playing like this, two weeks into a whole new system.
In terms of expectations, most rival fans and media are not expecting a great season for the Red Devils. In terms of league position most have the club finishing 6th unless a few more names are brought in before the season kicks off.
This is where the surprise part comes in. If United continue playing like they are in preseason and gradually improve – a real possibility as they get more comfortable in Ten Hag system – then a UCL spot is potentially up for grabs.
United are also in a position where they don’t have to finish 4th to get that last UCL spot. United are going into the Europa League as one of the favorites just off their name alone. Add the fact they were in the finals 15 months ago it isn’t hard to imaging that they’ll win the competition. In fact, it’s probably the most realistic target for the club this season.
Their rivals have all improved and United have catching up to do, but Arsenal and Spurs did that last season, so who’s to say United can’t do the same. They Red Devils just need to focus on themselves and make sure they listen to the manager’s instructions and play the best football they can possibly play. It’s a long season with a World Cup interruption in the middle so anything can happen.
Next. Rating smartest transfers of summer window (Part I). dark
The X factor will be if Ten Hag can get the best out of his expected major contributors and the squad find their form from 2-3 seasons ago. Based off of a couple friendlies, this may not be impossible. If that happens, United will finish a lot higher than people think, or at the very least win their first trophy since Europa League 2017.