Louis Van Gaal’s army suffered a terrible season after The Red Devils are certain to finish outside top-4. FA Cup presents an opportunity to end the season on a high, but that does not hide the fact how poor Manchester United have been this season.
Only saving grace for United were performances of David De Gea and Anthony Martial, who managed to keep their team in hunt of Champions League finish right till the ver end. Martial’s 17 goals and 11 assists in his debut season was the highlight for United fans while De Gea’s 15 league clean sheets was another high point of United’s season.
Amidst these little positives, Louis Van Gaal’s defensive tactics and delusional press conferences caused utter frustration amongst the United faithfuls. Van Gaal’s incapabilities led to wild rumours linking Jose Mourinho for the Old Trafford job, which is still ongoing.
Manchester United play their last game of the season later tonight and much like their campaign, it is rather pointless. Time and time again, United had the opportunity to seal their Champions League berth but they faltered at the wrong time. On that note, let us take a look at five things we learned from Manchester United’s Premier League 2015/16 season.
Man United needs a change, and they need it now
It almost pains me to say this as a Manchester United fan but the club needs to grow a spine. Players look robotic on the field and their approach is too bookish to actually win something.
If it takes a managerial change to change get all these things done then so be it. Louis Van Gaal has clearly lost the plot at Old Trafford and its time for him to either change his management style or bid adieu to Premier League and let Jose Mourinho take charge of the club.
Anthony Martial and David De Gea need to stay put
Undoubtedly Martial and De Gea have been United’s best players this season and if Manchester United are planning to get ahead in coming times, they need to keep hold of these two players at all cost.
De Gea has once again been linked to Real Madrid while PSG are hovering over Martial’s immediate future. United need to fend off these interests and ensure both of their stars stay put and lead club’s revival next season.
United’s Transfer approach needs ruthlessness
Time and time again we have seen Ed Woodward fail in signing United’s key targets, the list is getting endless. Likes of Fabregas, Kroos, Bale, Muller, Hummels and more recently Renato Sanches have chosen other clubs over Man United.
United are approaching their most important transfer window in recent times and they cannot afford another lackluster approach in trying to sign their key targets. Woodward and his team need to be ruthless in signing the players who can take the club to the next level.
Old Trafford needs to get rid of the deadwood
Marcos Rojo, Ashley Young, Antonio Valencia and Michael Carrick have lost their place in the team and the club needs to get rid of these players and plan ahead for the future. With emergence of younger players, perhaps United can rely on them and get rid of the experienced players who are turning in to deadwood.
Continue developing the academy players
Perhaps it goes without saying how Manchester United have prioritized in developing young players in recent years. This season as well, we saw the emergence of Marcus Rashford, Jesse Lingard, Timothy Fosu-Mensah, Cameron Borthwick-Jackson and others who ended up playing a vital role of the club.
Regardless of who the club signs in coming weeks, their focus should also remain on bringing through quality young players which can create a balance in United’s squad and lead the way for future success.