Greatest champion of England, Manchester United finished the last Premier League outside the classification zone for the Champions League and did not compete in the competition this season. With changes in command and posture, the Red Devils returned to the Champions.
defensive solidity
The comparison between the current and last season shows the defensive evolution of the team. In 2021/22, Manchester United conceded 57 goals in the Premier League and kept a clean sheet in eight matches. Already in 2022/23, the Red Devils were leaked 42 times and goalkeeper David De Gea secured 17 “clean sheets”.
In the 38 rounds of the previous Premier League, the team had 58 points after winning 16. In addition, United ended with a zero goal difference, that is, they scored 57 goals and conceded 57. In this current English Championship, the red team from Manchester occupies third place after 37 games, with 72 points, 22 wins and a balance positive of 14 goals.
command change
The evolution of numbers was also accompanied by an improvement in performance. One of the reasons was the change of coach. German Ralf Rangnick left Manchester United at the end of last season and the board chose Dutchman Erik Ten Hag for the vacancy.
“I know the history of this great club and the passion of the fans, and I am absolutely determined to develop a team capable of delivering the success it deserves,” said the new boss in his announcement.
After successful seasons at Ajax, Ten Hag arrived at Old Traford with the aim of changing the dressing room culture and implementing their style of play. The posture of the new coach clashed with one of the leaders of the squad, star Cristiano Ronaldo.
Arm wrestling with CR7
Idol and multi-champion for Manchester United, the Portuguese striker lost space in Ten Hag’s starting lineup. Cristiano Ronaldo made public criticisms against the coach and ended up being removed.
“He did it on purpose. In that way, I felt provoked. Everyone knows it. That’s why I don’t feel respect for him, he didn’t show respect for me”, declared Cristiano Ronaldo in November 2022, after leaving the stadium before the duel against Tottenham ended.
Then the Portuguese terminated his contract with Manchester United and left the club. The departure of Cristiano Ronaldo made room for the growth of other leaders in the squad, such as Casemiro. The Brazilian was signed at the start of the season after leaving Real Madrid.
Cristiano Ronaldo is to leave Manchester United by mutual agreement, with immediate effect.
The club thanks him for his immense contribution across two spells at Old Trafford.#MUFC
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) November 22, 2022
heavyweight hires
In addition to the defensive impact, Casemiro was also a highlight of the Red Devils contributing to the attack. The midfielder scored seven goals in the season, gave seven assists and helped the team to win the English League Cup and reach the final of the FA Cup.
The Brazilian was one of Manchester United’s sure-fire signings under Ten Hag. Defender Lisandro Martínez, midfielder Christian Eriksen and striker Antony arrived at the club this season and were pillars of the first team.
The growth of some players who were already in the squad was also one of the factors for United’s success, such as Luke Shaw and Marcus Rashford. The English striker was the team’s top scorer, with 30 goals scored and 11 assists.
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Source: Gazetaesportiva
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