My Review Of Manchester United 2022-23

Manchester United's season ended valiantly in defeat last Saturday to our neighbours, Manchester City who have also taken over us now as the leading team in the city and the land. Let me present to you, my analysis of United's season.

In the English Premier League, our season didn't start well. Like the previous Dutch manager we had, Louis Van Gaal, we followed up a pre-season campaign that raised the hopes of many followers, with a whimpering start to the season - a 1-2 defeat at home to Brighton & Hove Albion. Same result and the same venue as the defeat that was inflicted in Van Gaal's first competitive match in charge. A week after, things were to get worse as we slumped to a 4-0 defeat away to Brentford, losing all 4 goals in the first half. There were fears that nothing has changed from the horrendous previous season but thankfully, that was not the case. However, inconsistency still plagues Manchester United. We have looked imperious at home, the first-day defeat was the only one we suffered at home in the league all season. It was like the United of old at home, the fear factor was back for teams that turned up at Old Trafford. We picked up wins over Liverpool, Manchester City, Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur at home. However, the form and performances away from home weren't as good and at times, depressing. We were hammered by Liverpool and City on top of the trashing we took from Brentford. It just appeared that we could not cope with the aggression and intensity with which our opponents approached the match when we travelled away. We looked overawed. 

Erik Ten Hag made the decision many United fans saw coming by dropping captain, Harry Maguire after the first match. That decision partly paid dividends as we looked sturdy in our defence at home but were porous away from home which epitomised our season. There were matches where we showed we had players with a strong, winning mentality due to the ability shown to dig deep and persevere for a result, but at the same time, in other matches, we looked fragile and crumbled mentally. 

Ten Hag generally played his best teams in the Cup competitions to ensure that he fully honoured the Cup competitions and give us a chance to win some silverware. The decision paid dividends as we ended a long wait for a trophy by winning the League Cup. We also reached the FA Cup final and the Europa League quarter-final. In the latter competition, we produced some exciting displays in the knockout round including an aggregate win over this season's Spanish champions, Barcelona. However, in both competitions, we were left with regret. City might have dominated proceedings against United in the FA Cup final but they didn't really test David De Gea much and both goals we conceded were soft. In the quarter-final against Sevilla, we should have finished the tie in the first leg but were unlucky not to. It was also a blessing to be knocked out as the number of matches we were playing was taking a toll on the team. 

We made a couple of good signings in Lisandro Martinez and Casemiro this season. Finally, in a long while, we look like we have a commanding figure in central defence and midfield. Lisandro also formed a good partnership with Raphael Varane which has then pushed Victor Lindelof to increase the level of his game. Christian Eriksen especially before his long injury was also an influential signing as he brought composure and creativity on the ball. Tyrell Malacia's arrival pushed Luke Shaw to increase the level of his game and maintain it. The jury is still out on Antony though. Marcus Rashford had a fabulous period in the season where he scored lots. He looked better than he ever looked but now has to maintain that consistency. Aaron Wan-Bissaka's career looked dead and buried but what great work Ten Hag and the coaching staff have done on him that he ended the season as the first-choice right back. Fred showed why it was wrong to play him as an anchor in central midfield. 

Overall, a good season to end it with a trophy and top 4 finish but a lot of work needs to be done now to ensure we keep improving. Even in the best of times, we would be worried when we talk about United's transfer dealings but now we are dead worried especially with the takeover not completed yet and dragging its feet along.

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