Football Season Guide

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s departure in November was supposed to be the catalyst for a fresh start for Manchester United, but interim boss Ralf Rangnick’s tenure appears to have only worsened the issues that were already evident. The Red Devils won no trophies and missed out on Champions League qualification after finishing sixth in the Premier League. New boss Erik Ten Hag brought with him Ajax centre-back Lisandro Martínez, as well as Tyrell Malacia from Feyenoord. Christian Eriksen joined on a free transfer, but Manchester United are expected to further strengthen their midfield after the departures of Paul Pogba, Juan Mata and Nemanja Matic. Edinson Cavani was released, but Anthony Martial returned from his loan spell at Sevilla and he could stay put for this season. Ten Hag will make an effort to revive a Manchester United team that were dreadful at times last season. Star forward Cristiano Ronaldo has asked to depart the club in search of Champions League football, but the Red Devils have impressed without him in the preseason friendlies. Despite their below-par 2021/22 season, Man Utd boast a very talented attacking line consisting of Ronaldo, Anthony Elanga, Jadon Sancho, Marcus Rashford, Bruno Fernandes and Martial. However, their main weakness last season was their lack of team spirit. Manchester United seemed disjointed on the pitch and the connection between fans and team was lost.