Despite seeming to be falling on hard times recently, it remains evident that Manchester United remain one of the biggest draws in world football. Indeed, as we approach the start of the Premier League 25/26 season, it is still the Manchester club that generates the most headlines and creates the most transfer buzz.
The truth is, though, the club that claims to have about 10% of the world’s population in its fanbase finished 15th in the Premier League last season, missed out on entry to the Champions League, and generally lurched from crisis to crisis. The pressure is on Ruben Amorim, the players, and United’s hierarchy to start delivering. Despite betting odds pointing to another season outside the elite, can we ask if things are on the up, though? Do we see some green shoots of a revival? We try to answer some of that in our 6 questions for Manchester United ahead of the new season:
Will the Players Buy-In to Amorim’s Tactics?
The simple answer seems to be, yes, they will. We have seen senior players like Luke Shaw approach the media, pointing out that while Amorim is “tough,” the players are enthused about it. Secondly, there is a sense that the players who are not suited to the system or Amorim’s style – Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, Alejandro Garnacho, Antony – are being moved on. The main question seems to be not whether the players buy into the head coach’s system, but whether it will work in the Premier League.
Have Online Sports Betting Sites Underestimated United?
In the days of Alex Ferguson, Manchester United always started the season among the betting favourites for the title. This season, online sports betting platforms are much more reluctant to stick their neck out and tip them for glory. It’s understandable, given the abject performances in the league last season. Yet, Amorim has had a full summer with his squad, training them in his methods, and there are some quality new arrivals (see below), so perhaps United might be the value betting pick for a Top 4 finish.
Will There Be More New Signings This Summer?
It’s unclear. United have spent north of £200 million rebuilding the attack, bringing in Matheus Cunha, Benjamin Sesko, and Bryan Mbeumo, and there was a deal to bring young left-back Diego Leon last summer. But United have lost players like Victor Lindelof and Christian Eriksen, as well as those above, to whom Amorim made clear they were not in his plans. There are talks of bringing in Carlos Baleba, a tough-tackling midfielder from Brighton. That would almost certainly shift Man United’s betting odds, as Baleba is one of the best young players in the league.
How Will the Fans React this Season?
Patiently. At least with Amorim and the players. Co-owner Jim Radcliffe and the Glazer Family may not escape the fans’ ire. Even if United lose against Arsenal, and start the season slowly, Amorim will be given patience and support by the fans. By the end of the year, though, there will need to be evidence of progression. They don’t expect to win the Premier League this season, nor the next one, in all seriousness. Yet, Amorim will be charged with getting United back toward the Champions League spots. At the very least, he must show that that is the direction of travel.
What’s the Feeling Around the Camp in Preseason?
United are in the US at the time of writing, and there is a good feeling coming out of the club. Luke Shaw’s recent interview was intriguing, with the England full-back seemingly suggesting that previous dressing rooms at the club were toxic. Shaw suggested that it was a situation firmly in the past. On the pitch, things look a bit better, too. Preseason games are not always the best barometer of future success, but from what we have seen so far, United look hungry. We were especially impressed with Kobbie Mainoo, who was something of a forgotten man last season. He looks in great shape and ready to fight for his place.
How Will the Season Go for United?
This veers into the realm of conjecture, but United might surprise the doom-mongers this season. In fact, while not on the level of Liverpool, Arsenal, or Manchester City, one could easily see them move into the Top 5, getting that coveted Champions League spot. The fact that United have no European football to worry about this season means that Amorim can concentrate on the league, keeping his players fresh and fit, and getting more time on the training ground to get players used to his system. There are caveats, of course, and United fans have had false dawns before, but let’s just say many of the United faithful are quietly optimistic that things will turn around.
