Manchester United’s 1-1 draw with Huddersfield in the English Premier League confirmed that the most successful English club will be playing in the Europa League next season. It is a scenario that has been long in coming for the Red Devils this season. Below, we look at the main reasons why Manchester United’s season has been a disaster.
The Jose Mourinho debacle
Even before the season started, Jose Mourinho was already finding excuses for what would be his last season as the boss at Old Trafford. Pre-season was spent complaining about the quality of some of his players, mostly the center backs. Once the season began, there was the much-publicized fall out with star midfielder Paul Pogba that eventually led to the manager’s sacking.
All these sideshows from Mourinho affected the team’s performances which cost them a lot of points meaning that the next manager would have a mammoth task of restoring Manchester United to where they should be.
David De Gea’s loss of form
The Premier League’s best goalkeeper of the past 4 seasons has had a season to forget! After a disastrous World Cup with Spain in Russia, De Gea came back at Manchester United looking to get back to his best but that was never to be. He has made error after error this season, costing his team’s points along the way and one would not be wrong should they call him their worst player this season. The video below shows jus how poor he has been…
A few less mistakes from him and maybe Manchester United would be playing in the Champions League next season.
Ed Woodward’s costly error
After Mourinho’s sacking, Ole Gunnar was appointed as the caretaker manager until the end of the season. The Norwegian started his role as a man on a mission, winning his first 10 games that included FA Cup wins away to Arsenal and later Chelsea.
However, instead of waiting for the season to end before he can appoint a permanent manager, Manchester United’s CEO awarded Ole Gunnar with a 3-year contract and Manchester United’s form has never been the same again!
They were knocked out of the FA Cup by Wolves, out of the Champions League by Barcelona and their league form ensured that a top 4 finish would not be achieved this season. ED Woodward make a hasty decision that could haunt the Re Devils for years to come.