The 2024/25 season is one that Man United fans will hope to forget about quickly. A season that promised so much after winning the FA Cup at the conclusion of the 2023/24 campaign descended into relentless carnage, both on and off the field.
Ownership issues continue to make worldwide headlines, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe enduring far from a straightforward start to life at Old Trafford.
Bruno Fernandes’ Manchester United career to date by numbers:
290 games
702 chances created
182 goals involvements
98 goals
84 assists
4 POTS awards
2 trophiesIf this is the end, thank you. 🫡 pic.twitter.com/pMv18NNJvu
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) May 30, 2025
The same could also be said of Ruben Amorim, who was tasked with getting the club back on track following the dismissal of Erik ten Hag following a terrible start to the campaign.
Instead, there have been few moments of promise in a horrific campaign, which saw the Red Devils endure their worst domestic campaign for half a century.
Costly Mistakes Derailed Season
Following United’s FA Cup win over Man City last May, the first big question was posed of INEOS- stick or twist. Ratcliffe decided to stick with Ten Hag, offering the head coach a new deal and financial resources to spend in the summer transfer window.
At the same time, the club also welcomed Dan Ashworth, but neither would see Christmas at Old Trafford.
Kick-off approaches ⏳#MUFC || #MUTOUR25
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) May 30, 2025
Ten Hag was relieved of his duties by United by the end of October, with the club having lost four of their opening nine league matches and languishing in 14th.
Ruben Amorim’s appointment was widely applauded by United fans, with his transformative 3-4-2-1 formation set to make the Red Devils harder to beat. However, in reality, things would only get worse following his appointment.
A Storm is Coming
The disaster always loomed following reports that Amorim wished to wait until the end of the season to take the job, as he didn’t have the players to play his system. However, as part of the deal, he was required to start immediately, which led to the Portuguese being blunt with fans, admitting that a ‘storm is coming’.
He certainly wasn’t wrong. In 26 league matches under Amorim, United would win just seven games. The unwanted records would tumble in 2024/25 for the Red Devils, failing to win back-to-back matches in the Premier League for the first time, and scoring a club-low of just 44 goals.
Straight to work 💪#MUFC || #MUTOUR25 pic.twitter.com/8naKVkjtoW
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) May 29, 2025
Attacking issues have plagued the progress that Amorim has been able to make, with the signings of Rasmus Højlund and Joshua Zirkzee not being worthy of a club of United’s stature.
Their 18 Premier League defeats were their most in an English top-flight season since their relegation in 1973/74, and there is plenty to work on in the summer. But, it couldn’t possibly get worse, could it?
Player of the Season
It would be easier to make a list of the players that were the worst for United in 2024/25, as there were few that caught the eye. One of the few rare exceptions was Leny Yoro’s quick transition to Premier League football, while Amad Diallo was also a vitally important player for Amorim, and he was quickly called upon following his arrival.
Reporting to duty pic.twitter.com/Tuzm4QECl7
— Bruno (Fernandes) (@B__Fernandes_8) May 21, 2025
However, there are few more undeserving players to be involved in United’s worst team in history than Bruno Fernandes. United’s captain was the driving force for the team throughout the season, and was typically the man for the big occasion to try and get some improvement from the remainder of the team.
His stats once again outweighed every other player on the team, with his key passes and progressive passes ranking as the best in the Premier League. Only Chelsea’s Cole Palmer created more chances in the Premier League.
Finally the Horrible season comes to an end
Now The Rebuild Begins 👏 pic.twitter.com/6krW1qDRwY— Bruno (Fernandes) (@B__Fernandes_8) May 25, 2025
Fernandes ended the 2024/25 season wth a remarkable 17 goals and 16 assists. Keeping hold of their captain is the key to United getting back into Europe as quickly as possible.
Best Moment of the Season
This season has seen few bright moments for United, but a late Diallo winner at the Etihad against Manchester City likely ranks as the standout Premier League moment.
Most of United’s best performances actually came in the Europa League, producing dominant 3-0 and 4-1 wins against Spanish high flyers Athletic Bilbao in the semi-finals.
🔴 Man Utd 4-1 Athletic Club (agg: 7-1): Mason Mount scores twice as Red Devils seal #UEL final spot 🗞️
— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) May 8, 2025
However, the game of the season arguably came at Old Trafford in the previous round. A sensational night at the Theatre of Dreams saw the Red Devils come back from the brink of elimination against Lyon, scoring three times in the final six minutes of extra time to turn the tie on its head.
There have been few louder roars to come out of Old Trafford than the sound of the crowd when Harry Maguire’s winner in the 121st minute hit the back of the net.
Most Disappointing Moment of the Season
Where to start. It almost feels as though every weekend has seen an entry for the most disappointing moment of the season for Man United. Heavy home defeats against Tottenham and Liverpool under Ten Hag were forgettable moments, while a run of three straight losses against Bournemouth, Wolves, and Newcastle without scoring was a low point.
🌟#MUFC || #MUTOUR25 pic.twitter.com/dapWv46FGF
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) May 27, 2025
However, the biggest disappointment arrived in United’s season-defining clash against Tottenham in the Europa League final. Amorim’s side suffered a 1-0 defeat in a hugely forgettable showpiece between two of the worst teams in England. However, it was the manner of United’s performance that was most alarming.
The Red Devils struggled to create anything in the final third, and they rarely looked to threaten extra time. It was a limp end to an otherwise memorable European campaign, which ultimately means that there will be no European football at Old Trafford in 2025-26.
Good Times Are Coming
In an address to the Old Trafford faithful following a 2-0 home win at the end of the season, Amorim apologised to fans and vowed that the ‘good times are coming’. The Portuguese is a hugely likable leader for the United fans to follow, but it will likely be up to the board to give him a fighting chance of coming through on that promise.
🔜 #MUTOUR25
⏳ 2025/26#MUFC pic.twitter.com/6hCDl7TNgN— Manchester United (@ManUtd) May 27, 2025
The Red Devils have already moved proactively in the summer window after agreeing a deal to sign Matheus Cunha, while reported forward options such as Bryan Mbeumo and Liam Delap are also names that could be donning the famous red shirts next season.
However, with tight financial constraints, United must navigate a summer of outgoings. Jadon Sancho, Marcus Rashford, Antony, and Alejandro Garnacho are all expected to leave the club, while United could yet look to cash in on error-prone goalkeeper Andre Onana in favour of a more reliable number one.
It promises to be a fascinating summer at United, and a new-look Red Devils could surprise in 2025/26 without the fixture congestion posed by European football.
