Looking back at everything you need to know from the 2017/18 Manchester United season.
The 2017/18 season was Jose Mourinho’s second full season as Manchester United manager.
United recorded their best points total in the Premier League since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013, but the Red Devils still finished 19 points adrift of champions Man City.
- Manager: Jose Mourinho
After winning two trophies in his first season, Mourinho was unable to deliver any silverware in his second season, but he infamously described finishing runners-up to Pep Guardiola’s City as one of his greatest achievements.
United reached the FA Cup final before losing 1-0 to Chelsea, and they also missed a chance to lift the UEFA Super Cup when Casemiro opened the scoring for Real Madrid. Isco made it 2-0 for the Spanish giants before Romelu Lukaku scored a consolation goal.
Although United came second, Mourinho’s side was often criticised for their pragmatic style of play.
The season will also be remembered for being Michael Carrick’s last as a player. The England international played his final match for United against Watford on the final day of the Premier League season.
Season outcome and top scorer
- Premier League position: Runners-up
- Points total: 81
- FA Cup: Runners-up
- UEFA Super Cup: Runners-up
- Champions League: Round of 16
- Carabao Cup: Fifth round
- Trophies: 0
Lukaku finished the season as United’s top scorer with 27. He scored 16 goals in the Premier League that season.
- Top scorer: Romelu Lukaku– 27
Signings
- Romelu Lukaku
- Nemanja Matic
- Victor Lindelof
- Alexis Sanchez
Memorable matches
There were multiple memorable matches from Mourinho’s second season in charge.
Man City 2-3 Manchester United
Guardiola’s Man City were on the verge of being crowned Premier League champions after going 2-0 up in the first-half. The second half saw Paul Pogba score a quick-fire double before Chris Smalling secured the win.
City had to wait longer to win the league.
Manchester United 2-1 Liverpool
This fixture will be remembered for when Marcus Rashford turned Liverpool full-back Trent Alexander-Arnold inside out. A first-half brace from the United academy graduate secured three points for Mourinho’s side.
Crystal Palace 2-3 Manchester United
United were made to come from behind after Crystal Palace took a 2-0 lead at Selhurst Park. Smalling started the comeback before Lukaku scored an equaliser. The winner was scored in the 91st minute when Nemanja Matic volleyed the ball into the net.
Arsenal 1-3 Manchester United
Although early goals from Antonio Valencia and Jesse Lingard gave United the start they wanted at the Emirates Stadium, David de Gea took the headlines after his masterclass display. The Spanish goalkeeper made a remarkable 14 saves on the night, while Lingard completed a brace to seal the win.
What else happened in 2022/23
Scott McTominay broke into United’s first-team, making his debut in a 2-0 defeat away to Arsenal.
The Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year award was won by De Gea for a fourth time.
De Gea also won the Premier League Golden Glove award for the most clean sheets (18).
Mourinho chose McTominay as his Player of the Year.
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