Erik ten Hag enjoyed a successful start to life as Manchester United manager last season and the Dutchman will be eager to build on the solid foundations he has put in place for success.
15 years ago, a season in which United finished third in the Premier League and only won the Carabao Cup would have been seen as a disappointment, but times have changed significantly. The Red Devils have been in disarray in recent years and Ten Hag's steadying of the ship has helped United take a significant step forward.
A first major trophy since the 2016/17 season was just rewards for the club's hard work, but the pressure is now on Ten Hag to improve upon the performances of last year. Back in the Champions League, United will be expected to compete on all four fronts, something that will prove a greater test of Ten Hag's credentials.
Ten Hag has been busy in the transfer window, however, and has spent big to reinforce an already talented squad. With that comes added pressure, but Ten Hag has already shown he can handle expectations.
Here's 90min's preview of Man Utd's 2023/24 season.
Man Utd's performance last five seasons
Summer transfers
Ins:
- Rasmus Hojlund (FW) - Atalanta - £72m
- Mason Mount (MF) - Chelsea - £55m
- Andre Onana (GK) - Inter - £47.2m
- Jonny Evans (DF) - Leicester City - free (short-term deal)
Outs:
- Anthony Elanga (FW) - Nottingham Forest - £15m
- Alex Telles (DF) - Al Nassr - £4m
- Zidane Iqbal (MF) - FC Utrecht - £861,000
- David de Gea (GK) - released
- Phil Jones (DF) - released
- Axel Tuanzebe (DF) - released
Squad numbers
*Numbers subject to change before end of transfer window
*Rasmus Hojlund hasn't been assigned a squad number at the time of writing.
Key players
Star player
Having been one of Man Utd's star performers last season, Marcus Rashford will be expected to emulate the blistering form he exhibited at Old Trafford.
Scoring 30 goals and producing 11 assists in all competitions, the England international enjoyed one of the most fruitful campaigns of his career so far. With Rasmus Hojlund arriving as a number nine, Rashford knows he will play on the left flank, the position in which he is most comfortable and effective.
Unlocking Rashford's potential was one of Ten Hag's most significant achievements and there is no doubt the 25-year-old has more gears to find.
One to watch
When Man Utd signed Antony last summer, there were mixed reactions. While some saw a player with great potential and flair who had worked with Ten Hag before, others saw the astronomical price tag and were unconvinced.
Having played a full season at Old Trafford, it is difficult to decipher whether Antony had a successful or poor campaign. He managed just four goals and two assists in 25 Premier League matches, a tally which is far too low for a player of his talent and value.
There is a feeling Antony has already become very predictable to play against, despite showing glimpses of brilliance. He will cut inside on his left foot and shoot from range, often to little effect. But if Ten Hag can get the 23-year-old performing more consistently next season, United's attacking powers will be devastating.
2023/24 kits
Home kit
Away kit
Third kit
Premier League prediction
With the additions brought into United's squad, expectations will be high for the Red Devils this season.
As a bare minimum, United need to perform no worse than last season, but supporters will be hoping they can perhaps challenge for the title. It would require incredible consistency to somehow usurp local rivals Manchester City, but it is not beyond the realms of possibility.
However, a more feasible target is to continue improving on the pitch and retain their position in the Champions League spaces. The likes of Liverpool, Chelsea and Tottenham will all be looking to muscle their way back into the top four, meaning United cannot afford any complacency.
Man Utd 2023/24 Premier League prediction - 3rd
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This article was originally published on 90min as Man Utd 2023/24 season preview: Key players, summer transfers, squad numbers & predictions.