Manchester United – Premier League 2023-24 Season Preview

Season two of the Erik ten Hag era at Manchester United comes with heightened expectations as the Red Devils look to restore their place amongst England’s elite. United enjoyed a promising opening season under the Dutch manager, winning the League Cup and finishing third in the league, but will have their sights set on more domestic and European success in 2023/24 with the added investment made over the summer.

Summer Dealings

Despite the rumours of an impending takeover at Old Trafford, the Glazer ownership at Manchester United have continued to back Erik ten Hag in the transfer window by addressing key issues in the squad this off-season. A new goalkeeper was one of the primary targets on the agenda, and the Red Devils made a major upgrade on David de Gea by adding Andre Onana from Inter Milan for £47.2 million.

United also poached Mason Mount from Chelsea in a deal worth £60 million to bolster their midfield before resolving their long-standing centre-forward woes with the signing of Rasmus Hojlund from Atalanta for £72 million.

Player to watch out for: Rasmus Hojlund

Rasmus Hojlund arrives with great expectations at Old Trafford on the back of his big-money move from Italy. The Danish striker fits the mould of the striker for Erik ten Hag’s system, with his imposing physical presence and finishing ability in the box. However, expectations may have to be tempered for the 20-year-old as he adapts to the demands of the Premier League after just one season of playing in Europe’s top five leagues.

Probable XI

Andre Onana replaces David de Gea in between the sticks in Manchester United’s first XI, giving the Red Devils a goalkeeper more accustomed to the demands of the modern game with his superior ball-playing and sweeping ability.

The defence is likely to stay the same from last season, with Diogo Dalot and Luke Shaw as the first-choice full-backs and Raphael Varane partnering Lisandro Martinez at centre-back.

With the signing of Mason Mount, United could shift to using a midfield three for this season. The Englishman could be used as one of two number-eights alongside Bruno Fernandes, with Casemiro as the destroyer at the base of the midfield.

In attack, Marcus Rashford could start the new season as Manchester United’s starting centre-forward while new signing Rasmus Hojlund recovers from injury. Rashford’s move to the centre opens up a space for Alejandro Garnacho to slot in on the left, while Antony is likely to retain his spot on the right wing.

Andre Onana, Diogo Dalot, Raphael Varane, Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw, Casemiro, Mason Mount, Bruno Fernandes, Antony, Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho.