The upcoming 2024-25 season marks an important point for Manchester United as manager Erik ten Hag looks to make his mark on the squad. Following a nervy period after the FA Cup final, where his job was on the line, there is a sense of uncertainty surrounding Ten Hag’s position. Despite winning over key players initially, such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Marcus Rashford, his authority has begun to wane in recent months. The reintegration of Jadon Sancho after a public dispute hints at Ten Hag’s need to reaffirm control over the team, especially as new signings like Joshua Zirkzee and Leny Yoro come in to replace outgoing players. Ten Hag’s focus on discipline and squad dynamics will be crucial as he aims to steer the team towards success in the upcoming season.
The arrival of new players like Zirkzee and Yoro highlights the ongoing transition within the squad, with Ten Hag eyeing further additions in key positions. However, the challenge lies in balancing incoming transfers with outgoing personnel to free up space and funds. With a wishlist that includes a centre-back, central midfielder, and right-back, Ten Hag faces tough decisions on who to keep and who to let go. The need for effective player sales is emphasized by past struggles in offloading players, and the upcoming transfer window will be a test of United’s ability to revamp their squad successfully.
One of the pressing issues for Manchester United is their lack of goalscoring prowess, evident from their low goal tally in the previous season. With Rashford’s form stuttering and the burden of scoring resting heavily on his shoulders, Ten Hag must find ways to reinvigorate the attack. The absence of a consistent right winger adds to the offensive woes, with players like Rashford, Sancho, and Garnacho preferring the left flank. The underperformance of high-profile signings like Antony further complicates the attacking setup, leaving Ten Hag with the task of finding the right balance and goal threat in the upcoming campaign.
Last season’s struggles were compounded by a string of injuries to key players, leading to disruptions in the team’s performance. While Ten Hag attributes some of the setbacks to bad luck, reports suggest that player discontent stemmed from preseason training regimes that left them overworked. The importance of building fitness during the preseason cannot be understated, especially as United gear up for a challenging season ahead. Balancing the need for physical readiness with player welfare will be crucial for Ten Hag in ensuring a smooth start to the campaign.
Manchester United’s 2024-25 season under Erik ten Hag is set to be a critical test of the manager’s leadership and tactical acumen. With pressing issues ranging from squad management to offensive struggles and fitness concerns, the upcoming season presents a myriad of challenges for the team. As the summer tour kicks off in Los Angeles, all eyes will be on how Ten Hag navigates these obstacles and steers United towards success in the new campaign.
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