Erik ten Hag got the third season of his Manchester United tenure underway yesterday with the Community Shield final at Wembley.
Despite ultimately missing out on the bragging rights following a penalty shootout defeat, the majority of the United faithful were pleased with what they saw of their team in their first competitive fixture of 2024/2025.
Fewer shots being conceded, along with threatening and dangerous phases of build-up play, saw the Reds outperform Manchester City for the majority of the clash, with Alejandro Garnacho proving yet again that he can come in clutch on the greatest of occasions when he netted a stunning, well-taken goal in the last 10 minutes of regular time.
It was, however, soon counteracted by Bernardo Silva, who beat makeshift right-back Facundo Pellistri to a header at the back post to draw the scoring level.
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Nevertheless, United’s full attention can now turn to the Premier League. They kick off the new campaign before the rest of their rivals when they lock horns with Fulham on Friday evening at Old Trafford.
Ten Hag has delivered two trophies in as many seasons since taking the reins in M16 but is yet to mount a convincing title charge after finishing third and eighth, respectively, in 2022/2023 and 2023/2024.
Now that Sir Jim Ratcliffe has assembled his staff of choice at board level, he hopes that the Dutch manager can focus solely on footballing matters – which hasn’t been the case up to this point.
Ratcliffe delivers fresh Ten Hag verdict
“He is a good guy and had been doing his best but doing too much,” the new co-owner said of Ten Hag (via Simon Stone). “He was trying to sort out the squad and fix leaks in the roof at the same time.”
Ratcliffe touched on the wholesale changes he has already made, stating: “You can’t put your head in the sand. You have to face facts. It needed a fresh start, so that’s what we have done.”
Been reading pre-season thoughts of fans of other Clubs on the Guardian’s website: astonished to find some predicting top 4 for us!
Can’t see it myself, but ca va sans dire I hope they’re right.
Seems a given the Arabs’ plaything, the Mickeys and the Gooners in one order or another will fill top 3 – are we jumping from 8th to 4th? Hmm. Mebbe it goes pear-shaped for Slot, or even Arteta.