Manchester United’s 2024 was a turbulent year, marked by inconsistent performances, managerial changes, and off-field controversies. Despite glimpses of hope, the season highlighted a club in turmoil, struggling to regain its former glory.
The year began slowly, with a mixed bag of results. A disciplined performance against League Two Newport County in the FA Cup showcased some resilience, but off-field distractions, including Marcus Rashford’s disciplinary issues and Jadon Sancho’s loan departure, set a chaotic tone. A lack of new signings in January, as part of a strategic review of transfers, left the squad thin and vulnerable.
February brought a string of victories, including a dramatic win at Wolves and a solid performance against Aston Villa. However, injuries to key players like Lisandro Martínez began to stretch the squad. The club’s ownership changes became official, with new figures joining the management team. Despite these developments, inconsistency reared its head again, highlighted by a home loss to Fulham.
March offered some reprieve, particularly in the FA Cup, where Amad Diallo shone in a thrilling victory over Liverpool. However, a defeat in the Manchester derby underscored the gap between United and their city rivals. Ownership ambitions, including plans for a state-of-the-art stadium, began to take shape, signaling a long-term vision for the club.
April was chaotic, with the team managing a penalty shootout win over Coventry in the FA Cup while faltering in the league. A last-minute defeat to Chelsea and a draw with Liverpool symbolized a team lacking discipline and direction. The FA Cup final qualification provided a silver lining, but league performances left much to be desired.
May culminated in a surprising FA Cup triumph over Manchester City, offering a rare highlight in an otherwise disappointing season. Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo starred, and Erik ten Hag’s tactical approach earned praise. However, with Champions League hopes long gone, questions about Ten Hag’s future persisted.
The summer brought significant changes, with key departures like Mason Greenwood and new arrivals, including Leny Yoro and Joshua Zirkzee. Pre-season injuries to Yoro and Rasmus Højlund compounded the club’s challenges. A high-profile backroom reshuffle, including the hiring of Ruud van Nistelrooy as assistant manager, hinted at a fresh approach.
The new season began sluggishly, with mixed results in August and September. The arrival of Manuel Ugarte from PSG and Matthijs de Ligt from Bayern Munich aimed to bolster the squad, but results remained inconsistent. Ten Hag’s tenure ended in October after a controversial penalty decision against West Ham proved the final straw. His dismissal marked the end of an era, with Sir Alex Ferguson’s ambassadorial role also terminated.
Ruben Amorim’s arrival as manager in November brought hope but little immediate improvement. Despite a few promising performances, including a Europa League win over Viktoria Plzen, December proved disastrous. A string of losses, including heavy defeats to Bournemouth and Wolves, left the club teetering on the brink of crisis. Amorim openly spoke of relegation fears, a stark reminder of the club’s struggles.
Off-field, rising ticket prices and infrastructure issues, including reports of a mouse infestation at Old Trafford, further alienated fans. By year’s end, the club faced an uncertain future, with its identity and direction under intense scrutiny.
