Erik ten Hag and his Manchester United squad are raring to go in the 24/25 season – but how will it all unfold for the Red Devils?
Time will tell, but it all kicks off this Friday as the Manchester United squad take on Fulham at Old Trafford in the Premier League opener.
As always at United – it’s set to be a season filled with twists and turns, and a lot is still up in the air as to what could eventually happen when the season concludes.
So, with this in mind, the United in Focus writers predict how things could pan out around Carrington in the 24/25 campaign.
Where will Manchester United finish in the Premier League?
Dan Coombs: 2nd place
“I’m always positive here, and don’t intend to change. Second place, which gets bumped up to first when City get relegated due to their 115 charges.”
Jonny Maze: 3rd place
“It may be shocking to some, but pre-season has shown United to be vastly improved in terms of defensive structure and also on the ball.
“Due to this and some predicted struggles of other sides such as Spurs, Chelsea and Aston Villa along with Liverpool not having Klopp means I predict United will finish 3rd – hopefully within 10 points of 1st place.”
Kieran Smith: 5th place
“This isn’t a reflection on how bad Manchester United will be, but more so on how good the Premier League is. I still think Arsenal, Manchester City, Liverpool and Aston Villa have the edge over us.”
Adnan Riaz: 5th place
“I expect Manchester United to finish in fifth place. I really, really wanted to predict a top-four finish, but there are a lot of burning questions to ask about this current United team.
“Will injuries once again plague United’s season? Have the summer signings arrived too late in the window? Can the likes of Antony and Marcus Rashford really turn their respective forms around?
“I still find it hard to see United finishing in fourth after last season’s eighth-place finish in the Premier League table.”
Vatsal Gupta: 3rd place
“It would be a huge improvement if Man United can go “best of the rest” as both Arsenal and Manchester City still look like they are quite ahead in their evolution. I’m not convinced that Arne Slot will pick up from where Jurgen Klopp left off and Aston Villa will feel the brunt of UCL football.
“Chelsea are a complete unknown while Spurs are always easy to bet against. Newcastle are the sleeper contenders without Europe this season but United have upgraded their squad enough that they should replicate Ten Hag’s first-season finish barring another freak injury nightmare.”
Danny Owen: 3rd place
“With key additions in defence and up top – and with another hopefully arriving in midfield – Man United’s XI and their squad as a whole now looks much stronger.
“If Ten Hag can avoid another injury curse, United should have the quality to finish above Tottenham, a transitional Liverpool, and two teams who could struggle to balance domestic and European football in Aston Vila and Newcastle.”
Sean Fisher: 4th place
“While incredibly excited for the new season, I’m going to keep my emotions in check and predict a fourth-placed finish.
“Ultimately, the competition for the top spots in the Premier League has not been this tough in years and Ten Hag has already proven that he will want to fight on all fronts this year.
“Good recruitment this summer stands United in good stead to return to the Champions League spots, but I’m reluctant to hope for too much more.”
Shaun Webbley: 4th place
“Last season I predicted United to be in a title race and go far in the Champions League, oh how wrong I was! I do think United will finish in fourth place in the division. I’m excited about the signings they’ve made and believe, as long as we steer clear of injuries, we will finish in a Champions League place.”
How far will Manchester United get in the Europa League?
Dan Coombs: Winners
“We are in it to win it. Let’s back Ten Hag to win another trophy. It is going to be a very hard competition to win, it’s a slog – and requires us to get lucky with injuries, which could catch us out.”
Jonny Maze: Winners
“Erik ten Hag wins a trophy every season, so this campaign I think it will be the Europa League. United are one of, if not the strongest team in the tournament and therefore if it is taken seriously it could be a real chance at silverware.”
Kieran Smith: Winners
“Another trophy under Ten Hag? Why not! Manchester United need to aspire to European glory, meaning the Dutch manager will have then completed three out of four avenues in regard to Manchester United trophies. Premier League title next season it is.”
Adnan Riaz: Final
“I’m going to be bold enough to say Manchester United reach the Europa League final. It seems that the Red Devils have the first-team squad capable of reaching a European final.”
Vatsal Gupta: Winners
“This will seem bold but one look at the teams in the Europa League and there’s not a single one which makes me think United can’t beat over two legs.
“Of course, the new Europa League format means Champions League eliminations won’t drop down here so that makes the tournament a bit easier to predict. Funnily enough, Jose Mourinho’s knockout prowess means he could be Ten Hag’s biggest threat in the competition!”
Danny Owen: Winners
“It’s a bit different – and presumably a bit easier – this season with no teams dropping down from the Champions League anymore. This should give United a clearer run at a trophy that has alluded them so far. The opportunities to rotate and give chances to younger and fringe players is another plus.”
Sean Fisher: Semi-Final
“With improved squad depth this year, United will be able to rotate the squad but still compete in all competitions.
“I think going far in Europe will be on Ten Hag’s agenda this season, but I think United will fall just short of lifting the Europa League and be eliminated in the semi-final. That doesn’t, however, mean they will end the season trophyless.”
Shaun Webbley: Semi-Final
“Whilst the Europa League is not the competition we all want to be in, we should have a decent chance of going far in the competition. We won’t be facing any teams from Europe’s elite due to the groups changing and I think this will give us a good chance. I think we’ll get to the semi-final.”
Who will be Manchester United’s top goalscorer?
Dan Coombs: Alejandro Garnacho
“This was tight between Rasmus Hojlund and Fernandes last season and I’d love Hojlund to take the next step and hit 25 goals or so.
“I actually think it could be Alejandro Garnacho who makes the leap and outscores everybody by taking a Cristiano Ronaldo-esque jump.”
Jonny Maze: Rasmus Hojlund
“Despite his slow start to life at Old Trafford, there were enough signs last season to show there is a player with serious potential there.
“If he can stay fit, he absolutely breaks the 20-goal mark this season – likely with ease. However, it will ultimately come down to whether his teammates are creating for him – early signs are they will be.”
Kieran Smith: Bruno Fernandes
“I think Bruno is in for a really good season. With Fernandes just signing a new United contract, the midfielder will be ready to attack the campaign head-on. I think he can replicate some of his goalscoring form of old.”
Adnan Riaz: Rasmus Hojlund
“It’s Rasmus Hojlund’s time to shine at Manchester United. The Danish forward struggled in his debut season at Old Trafford, and still finished as top scorer and it would seem that Hojlund is settled in England now.”
Vatsal Gupta: Bruno Fernandes
“This is just based off of sheer availability. I’m not sure the 30-goal version of Rashford during Ten Hag’s first season is his level. Feel like that was more of an exception to the rule than the normal.
“Rasmus Hojlund won’t play enough to threaten top goalscorer charts, while Joshua Zirkzee is a playmaker first, poacher second. If somebody like Garnacho ends up on this list at the end of the season, something will have gone horribly wrong (injury to Fernandes), or extremely right (breakout superstar).”
Danny Owen: Marcus Rashford
“It is no secret that Rashford is at his most effective alongside a centre-forward willing to drop deep and link the play. Joshua Zirkzee, then, could be the key that releases his potential.
“Rasmus Hojlund surely won’t be far away but starts may be harder to come by now with more competition for places.”
Sean Fisher: Rasmus Hojlund
“It is incredibly unfortunate that Hojlund will miss the start of the season, but I back him to regain his starting spot up front.
“He showed glimpses of brilliance last season and with a year of experience now under his belt I think he will start to show it more consistently. United appear to have a better balance going forward this season and that will only provide the Dane with even more chances.”
Shaun Webbley: Rasmus Hojlund
“United’s top goal scorer this season will be Rasmus Hojlund. Struggled at times last season but still showed his obvious qualities in abundance. Think he’ll kick on even more in the upcoming campaign.”
Who will be Manchester United’s ‘breakout’ player in the 24/25 campaign?
Dan Coombs: Ethan Williams
“Going to try and not be too obvious here with Amass. I think at some stage this season Ethan Williams will get minutes, and seize his chance.”
Jonny Maze: Toby Collyer
“In terms of a breakout star, Toby Collyer seems best placed to make himself a regular fixture this season. The midfielder is clearly a favourite of Ten Hag and he did well on the tour.
“His minutes will likely be determined by whether United sign a midfielder – but either way expect him to play in the Europa League.”
Kieran Smith: Ethan Wheatley
“I just love Ethan Wheatley. After watching him in the United academy, it’s clear that the youngster has a huge future ahead of him at Old Trafford. He will get minutes given the sheer amount of competitions the Red Devils find themselves in – and I think he’ll seize his opportunities.”
Adnan Riaz: Harry Amass
“Harry Amass impressed during the pre-season tour this summer and it feels like he’s on the verge of breaking into the Manchester United first team. Erik ten Hag is a fan of Amass and the left-back could easily challenge for the spot considering the injury track records of Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia.
“I honestly feel like Ten Hag needs to roll the dice at some point and start Amass when Shaw and Malacia are both unavailable rather than improvising with makeshift left-backs.”
Vatsal Gupta – Ethan Wheatley
“Joshua Zirkzee ideally plays with a striker instead of as a striker, Hojlund’s minutes need to be managed, and Ethan Wheatley is going nowhere this season after being promoted to the first-team squad. He impressed in pre-season but remains a work in progress mainly due to his lack of clinical finishing. A hot streak for Wheatley will catapult him into conversation.”
Danny Owen: Toby Collyer
“I could have gone for Harry Amass but – three years older – Ten Hag may be more willing to throw Collyer in at the deep end. His energetic, combative yet composed style helped plug the gaps in an often one-paced midfield in pre-season.”
Sean Fisher: Harry Amass
“Even with Noussair Mazraoui arriving to strengthen the full-back positions, I think there will be plenty of opportunities for Harry Amass to shine this season.
“The 17-year-old looked incredibly sharp in pre-season and with Luke Shaw’s injury record there will be points this season where United need options at left-back.
“Another to keep an eye on is of course Toby Collyer, but I expect another midfielder to arrive this summer which will reduce his chance of getting on the pitch.”
Shaun Webbley: Toby Collyer
“Toby Collyer has certainly proven himself during pre-season and I think he’ll be United’s breakout star this season. Kobbie Mainoo made the step up last season and I think another midfielder will make the step this season. Collyer did not look out of place last season and I think he could be a player to watch.”
Who will be Manchester United’s signing of the season?
Dan Coombs: Matthijs de Ligt
“From being a little lukewarm initially, I’m now all in on the Matthijs de Ligt deal. Seeing all the pundits queuing up to write him off makes me convinced he’s going to be an overwhelming success.”
Jonny Maze: Matthijs de Ligt
“While a more popular choice may be Leny Yoro, due to the cheap price of £38m and potential world-class ability I have to say the signing of the season will be De Ligt.
“His arrival has been met with negativity from pundits, but he remains a premier defensive talent in Europe. If Ten Hag gets the best out of him, United will be thinking they have ripped off Bayern Munich.”
Kieran Smith: Joshua Zirkzee
“There’s something about Joshua Zirkzee that I just think is going to click at Manchester United. Tall, pacey, skilful and knows where the goal is. He’ll surprise a few with his quality.”
Danny Owen: Noussair Mazraoui
“Not the most glamorous certainly but outstanding value for money at less than £13 million. Two-footed and extremely technical, Mazraoui feels like two signings in one. A rare example of a bargain Man United signing.”
Adnan Riaz: Noussair Mazraoui
“Noussair Mazraoui could really change the dynamic of Manchester United this season. I’m really interested to see if the Morocco full-back’s arrival at Old Trafford can be the key to unlocking the full potential of former Ajax teammate Antony.
“A combination of Mazraoui and Antony showing shades of their former Ajax playing style could be a sight to behold for United fans.”
Vatsal Gupta: Matthijs de Ligt
“Forget about the question marks over the De Ligt. People have a hard time believing how low the fee is so they have to look for chinks in the armour. Truth is, Bayern fans are incensed at the sale and the fee, and De Ligt is a 25-year-old generational talent who fits what Ten Hag wants to do like a glove.
“Defenders can have a monumental impact on the whole team structure if their fit is right, and De Ligt’s fit is perfect, especially alongside Martinez. Mazraoui is a utility signing, Zirkzee will play a lot but his impact will grow with time due to his unique playing style, while Yoro’s senior partner is the pick here.”
Sean Fisher: Matthijs de Ligt
“I was excited by the prospect of De Ligt at Old Trafford five years ago and it still excites me now.
“If you can get past his injury record, United have signed a world-class centre-back and one that complements Lisandro Martinez brilliantly. The duo could forge a formidable partnership that could quickly solve many of last season’s issues.”
Shaun Webbley: Leny Yoro
“Signing of the season will be Leny Yoro. The injury he has suffered has come at a terrible time in the season but once he returns I think he’ll be the difference maker. United needed a replacement for Raphael Varane this summer and the teenager could be exactly that.”
Who will be Manchester United’s player of the season?
Dan Coombs: Bruno Fernandes
“Bruno Fernandes has won the Sir Matt Busby Award three out of five seasons he’s been at the club. I’m expecting him to make it four.”
Jonny Maze: Alejandro Garnacho
“Watching Alejandro Garnacho develop over the past two seasons has been fascinating, with clear improvements year on year.
“The Argentine is now 20, and in his first game of the season against City he made a statement, telling everyone he is the man right now at Old Trafford with an excellent goal which was Messi-like in many ways.
“If United have a good season, Garnacho will likely play a big part and I also expect him to break through the 20-goal contribution bar this season at least.”
Kieran Smith: Bruno Fernandes
“Who else? The Portuguese Magnifico should scoop up the accolade once again. Consistently Manchester United’s best player – expect another big season from Bruno in the 24/25 campaign.”
Adnan Riaz: Lisandro Martinez
“All eyes should be on Lisandro Martinez, who had a stunning campaign with Argentina at the 2024 Copa America in the United States. Martinez appeared to be back to his best for the Copa America champions and secured regular playing time after his injury-hit season with Manchester United.
“My only concern is that we don’t see Martinez’s full potential because Ten Hag could use him as a makeshift left-back at times. However, Martinez needs to start at centre-back, especially to support and complement former Ajax stars Andre Onana and Matthijs de Ligt in the backline.”
Vatsal Gupta: Bruno Fernandes
“In a sea of disruption and changes, one thing remains constant. Bruno Fernandes plays every game he’s available for. He was carrying the team hard when it was dysfunctional. Now that he has help and a structure that should allow him to thrive, there’s another level yet to unlock in his game.
“Expect a bonafide world-class season from a player who has been in that bracket for a long time but doesn’t get the same credit because he has played for a bad team so far.”
Danny Owen: Bruno Fernandes
“A three-time winner of the trophy already, if Bruno can thrive in difficult circumstances imagine how brilliant he could be in a team playing with confidence and swagger once more. He was excellent in the Community Shield and could strike up a fearsome understanding with Zirkzee.”
Sean Fisher: Bruno Fernandes
“Captain Magnifico. With more balance going forward this season I think Fernandes will enjoy (another) brilliant campaign.
“He is a chance-creating monster and Ten Hag has now surrounded him with young and hungry forwards. That is a recipe for goals. Hopefully lots of them.”
Shaun Webbley: Bruno Fernandes
“This may be a boring choice but Bruno Fernandes will be United’s player of the year come next May. Since signing for the Red Devils, the Manchester United captain has consistently proven himself and will once again be vital for us next season. Fernandes has never shirked a challenge and I think he will be vital for United.”
READ MORE: Join the conversation with the United in Focus Whatsapp group
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
