Manchester United 2024-25 Premier League Season Preview: Five Main Talking Points

As the 2024-25 Premier League season approaches, we explore the key questions surrounding Manchester United and Erik ten Hag.

In the 2023-24 season, Erik ten Hag faced challenges in building on the progress from his debut year as Manchester United manager, and at one point, his future at the club seemed uncertain. However, after a hard-fought 2-1 FA Cup final victory against Manchester City, the Dutchman received a one-year contract extension, with United publicly backing his leadership.

While some cynics viewed it as a reaction to the club’s apparent inability to lure high-profile targets like Thomas Tuchel, it still ensured Ten Hag another opportunity. So, as he heads into his third season at Old Trafford, what are the key questions surrounding him for 2024-25?

Read More: Liverpool 2024-25 Premier League Season Preview: Five Main Talking Points

1. Can Ten Hag Strengthen Manchester United’s Defense?

While the order of the questions in this article may seem somewhat arbitrary, this issue takes priority for many.

It’s undeniable that United were too easy to break down last season. Their opponents recorded 620 transitions reaching the final third, the highest of any Premier League team, with 205 of those leading to shots – a figure only worse than relegated Luton Town (215) and Newcastle United (208). Additionally, they faced the third-most shots from fast breaks (36).

As a result, United allowed the second-most shots (667) of any top-flight side in 2023-24, with only bottom-placed Sheffield United (678) – regarded as one of the worst teams in Premier League history – conceding more.

For the sake of balance, it’s important to acknowledge that United’s 58 goals conceded were only surpassed by four other clubs, with Ten Hag dismissing criticism of their shots faced statistic as “ridiculous” in that context.

However, it still marked United’s highest goals conceded in a league season since 1978-79 (63), 15 more than in Ten Hag’s debut season, and their 70.1 xG against ranked fifth worst in the league.

According to Ten Hag, the cause was clear. “I see the stats, and it’s obvious,” he told Sky Sports in May. “In the 2022-23 season, we had a consistent back four, the same setup, and recorded the most clean sheets in the Premier League. So, when everyone is fit, they can defend the way we want, but possession also plays a role.”

“When you lack certain players at the back and the right patterns, like left-footed players on the left side, adjustments have to be made.”

He continued: “We considered a more defensive setup, but one of my objectives here was to instill a proactive style of play. The injured players will return, so if you switch to a defensive style that doesn’t suit the squad, and the results don’t come, it affects everyone’s confidence.”

United’s defensive injury woes were a major issue last season, with no centre-back pairing playing more than seven games together in all competitions. The prolonged absence of Lisandro Martínez was particularly damaging, as highlighted by his performance in the FA Cup final, and they spent much of the campaign without a natural left-back.

Although new signing Leny Yoro has been sidelined until October due to a foot injury, it’s unlikely United will face the same injury misfortune as last season, especially with Matthijs de Ligt expected to join. Adding a quality, mobile defensive midfielder to either replace, support, or complement Casemiro would theoretically improve their resistance to transitions.

This improvement is essential if they aim to compete for a top-four finish or higher.

2. Is This the Season for Amad Diallo?

Amad Diallo’s journey at Manchester United has been anything but smooth. After brief appearances under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as a teenager, it became apparent that he wasn’t quite ready for top-tier football. A lackluster loan stint at Rangers did little to elevate his reputation.

However, during the 2022-23 season, Amad made notable progress at Sunderland, earning a recall to United for the 2023-24 campaign. Unfortunately, a knee injury suffered just days before the season’s start sidelined him until December.

His brief return in United’s final game of 2023 marked a glimmer of hope, but he wasn’t included in the squad again until late January. His second appearance of the season came on February 24.

March brought a pivotal moment for Amad in the FA Cup. In a thrilling 4-3 extra-time victory over Liverpool, Amad scored a dramatic breakaway goal in the dying moments, courtesy of an assist from Alejandro Garnacho. After evading Liverpool’s last defender, Conor Bradley, he kept his cool to secure the win against United’s fierce rivals. It was the kind of impact, much like Diego Forlan’s in years past, that can solidify a player’s place in Manchester United folklore.

A red card for his exuberant celebrations was of little consequence and easily forgiven, as Amad continued to show promising signs for the remainder of the season. Among the highlights was his stunning strike, marking his first Premier League goal, in a 3-2 victory over Newcastle, where he also played a key role in Kobbie Mainoo’s goal.

Amad’s game often exuded a playful energy, driven by confidence and courage, standing in stark contrast to Antony, who seemed drained of belief throughout the season.

The Brazilian’s lack of impact certainly contributed to Amad getting more opportunities, and in pre-season, Amad has been one of United’s standout performers. He was also arguably one of their best players in the penalty-shootout loss to Manchester City in the Community Shield, with his direct approach and positive runs in behind causing problems.

“At the end of last season, he had a very good run with our first team and played some good matches,” Ten Hag commented early in pre-season after Amad’s impressive performance against Rangers. “Now, this season has to be [his] year. It’s great that he’s starting off like this.”

While Ten Hag isn’t lacking options on the wings, as we’ll discuss shortly, it feels like the right-wing position is Amad’s to lose for now.

3. Can Mason Mount Prove His Worth at Manchester United?

In his debut season at Manchester United, Mason Mount often seemed like a forgotten figure. Plagued by injuries and ineffective when on the field, he appeared far removed from the player who once thrived in Chelsea’s Champions League-winning side.

It’s worth noting that United could end up paying a hefty £60 million for the midfielder, so if Mount fails to regain his top form, he risks being remembered as an expensive misstep.

However, his talent is undeniable. Before a lackluster final season at Stamford Bridge, Mount was a crucial part of Chelsea’s squad and arguably one of the Premier League’s top midfielders.

During the 2020-21 and 2021-22 seasons, Mount ranked fifth in the Premier League for chances created (145), trailing only Kevin De Bruyne, Bruno Fernandes, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Son Heung-min. He was eighth in total assists (15), but ranked fourth in expected assists (13.8), suggesting that his numbers were not inflated by exceptional finishing, unlike some of his peers.

Mount’s value to Chelsea was further highlighted by his involvement in shot-ending sequences. Between 2020-21 and 2021-22, he ranked seventh in the Premier League for involvement in sequences leading to shots (375) and fifth on a per-90-minute basis (minimum 4,000 minutes played).

Mount’s 375 involvements in shot-ending sequences were also 120 more than any other Chelsea player during that time.

At his best, Mount brings a lot to the table. He’s hardworking off the ball and tactically disciplined, earning him the reputation of being a coach’s ideal player. He’s also a goal threat and has a proven record as a dependable creator. Few attacking midfielders in the Premier League are as well-rounded as a fully fit and in-form Mount.

However, it’s been over two years since Mount consistently performed at his peak. His challenge is compounded by the fact that he thrived most at Chelsea as a right-sided No. 10—a role that doesn’t really exist in Ten Hag’s United system, where he played in a deeper position when fit last season.

He began the Community Shield in an advanced role, alternating with Bruno Fernandes. While he didn’t have a significant impact, had Amad delivered a better final pass during one impressive first-half sequence, Mount would have been set up for an easy tap-in.

Naturally, remaining injury-free will greatly enhance Mount’s chances of making a lasting impact at Old Trafford, but early indications suggest he’ll need to adjust his game.

If he finds his rhythm again, Mount could feel like a new addition to the squad.

4. Can Rashford, Antony, and Sancho Revive Their Manchester United Careers?

It’s hard to envision Marcus Rashford playing for any club other than Manchester United, and the notion of ‘saving his Man Utd career’ may seem a bit dramatic. However, his 2023-24 season was disappointing individually, and speculation about his potential move elsewhere has been prevalent over the past year.

Rashford’s previous form demonstrates his capabilities, and many will hope he can return to the level he reached in the 2022-23 season, his best in senior football. Given his status as an academy product, he arguably deserves more patience than most.

In contrast, Antony and Jadon Sancho have less leeway and must fight to secure their futures. Sancho, at least, is back in the first-team picture after resolving a public dispute with Ten Hag, which had led to his exile and subsequent loan to Borussia Dortmund. Although he helped Dortmund reach the Champions League final and displayed glimpses of his previous quality—such as his performance against Paris Saint-Germain in the UCL semi-final—Sancho still has a lot to prove at United.

Sancho’s potential remains untapped at United. His output in the final third—though not the sole measure of player impact—was a key factor in his move to Old Trafford. He recorded 107 goal involvements in 137 games for Dortmund, but has managed only 18 in 82 appearances for United.

The 2024-25 season will mark Jadon Sancho’s fourth year with Manchester United, and his time to make an impact is running out.

Interestingly, Sancho might not be the most disappointing high-profile winger in the squad. Antony, who cost a reported £82 million, has been so underwhelming that there were reports of him being put up for sale this summer.

Given his substantial wages and United’s desire to avoid a significant financial loss, a buyer has yet to materialize. This provides Antony with another opportunity, but he will need to show considerable improvement this season.

Over his two years in the Premier League, Antony has averaged just 1.4 chances created per 90 minutes, with 58 players (minimum 1,000 minutes played) outperforming him since the start of the 2022-23 season.

That’s only part of the story. Until his goal against Burnley in April, Antony had scored just once in the Premier League since April 2023, despite netting in each of his first three top-flight appearances in September/October 2022.

Last season, he lost his starting spot on the right wing to Alejandro Garnacho and only reclaimed it due to injuries to other attacking players. With Sancho back in the mix and Amad making swift progress, Antony is facing an uphill battle.

5. Who Will Be the Next Academy Star to Shine After Garnacho and Mainoo?

Alejandro Garnacho was the standout young talent in Ten Hag’s first season, followed by Kobbie Mainoo in the subsequent campaign. As Manchester United looks ahead to 2024-25, could another academy prospect emerge as a key first-team player?

As Ten Hag noted in February, the club is keen on promoting youth players and sees this as a viable strategy. The youth system is brimming with potential, and the manager is focused on building a team that provides a solid foundation for integrating young talent.

“We are now building a team that can really offer a foundation for players to come in,” Ten Hag said. “We built the foundation that you can add quality players to the squad and take the team to the next level.”

Two prospects who seem poised to step up and gain regular first-team opportunities are left-back Harry Amass and central midfielder Toby Collyer.

Although neither are local academy products—Amass joined from Watford in 2023 and Collyer was signed from Brighton two years ago—they have both impressed in the youth ranks.

Their names frequently appeared among the substitutes towards the end of the 2023-24 season. While neither made their debuts, they featured in all five of United’s pre-season friendlies, and Collyer made a substitute appearance in the Community Shield.

Collyer stands out as a well-rounded midfielder. He combines athleticism, physicality, technical skill, and strong positional awareness, which enhances his composure under pressure. His performances in the friendly against Arsenal and the 3-2 win over Real Betis highlighted his potential to offer something unique compared to other midfielders in the squad.

The 20-year-old is highly valued by United and is expected to make his Premier League debut in the early weeks of the season, provided he avoids the injury issues that sidelined Mainoo around this time last year.

Amass, being younger than Collyer, is still developing both physically and as a footballer. Despite being just 17, the full-back clearly possesses significant talent.

Skillful, quick, and adventurous, Amass received high praise for his performances across various youth levels last season and seamlessly fit into pre-season. His energetic play—enhanced by a bit of luck—led to Amad’s impressive goal against Betis, and he also performed well against Mohamed Salah in a friendly loss to Liverpool.

Given United’s defensive injury problems last season and with Tyrell Malacia not expected to return until at least October, Amass’s rise could prove timely. Martínez was used at left-back in the Community Shield, which was far from ideal.

While it’s understandable why Ten Hag might hesitate to start a 17-year-old against Manchester City, if Luke Shaw and Malacia struggle with fitness, it’s likely only a matter of time before Amass gets his chance.