Manchester United ended their disastrous season with another defeat against Crystal Palace. This was United’s 12 defeat, the worst in the last 8 years. They faced a similar kind of season in 2013/14 under David Moyes but still at least managed to get 64 points in that season. But the 2021/22 season is what every fan wants to forget and start things fresh again under Erik Ten Hag.
Ralf Rangnick has definitely helped United in exposing some incompetent players this season which other managers haven’t managed to do so. He has done what he could the best actually with the players we had. And it is always up to the players at the end of the day. He had tactics he had plans but the players had no mentality and spirit to fight. This is what actually happens when a real manager takes charge.
Here are the 5 things we learned.
1. No Ronaldo no party and no win for Manchester United.
Manchester United haven’t won a game without Ronaldo. It’s quite sad to see these stats, the entire team is still dependent on the 37 years old hardworking striker. Cavani who started yesterday and played his last game in a United jersey has failed to create an impact. His wonderful shot was saved though by Guita in the first 15′.
2. Lack of attacking options showed us the true colours in the match and in the second half of the season too.
From plenty of attacking options to a limited number of attacking options. I would personally feel that loaning out Martial and Donny van de Beek weren’t the right choices. We all know that they weren’t the best options but would certainly come in handy when Cavani and Ronaldo were unavailable.
Bruno had a bang average season and could have been utilised by VDB in that position. The unavailability of Greenwood was another major setback.
3. Fullbacks need to be upgraded for Manchester United.
In modern-day football, the fullbacks should be offering more in the attack. A player with pace, vision and right crossing techniques is bound to make a difference in the end. We lack in that area too. Dalot is neither good offensively nor defensively. Though he is better than AWB undoubtedly if we want to compete for the title we have to have a player with that mindset and attributes.
4. Erik ten Hag got the taste of English football.
The upcoming Man Utd manager was seen in the stands last evening. The former Ajax manager will take the reign at Old Trafford. The hopes will be high next season as the Dutch manager is already in action in the summer transfer window. The rebuilding of the squad is set to take place as the team has hit the record of new lows this season.
5. United secured the Europa spot despite the defeat.
In another match, Brighton defeated West Ham and that meant a favour to the United and their fans. West Ham needed to win in order to cement the 6th position and it was eventually the Red Devils to rode their luck in the end.
On the brighter side, it will be a perfect league for ETH to open his managerial experience in English football. But a 0 goal difference tells us how poor United was. And with this the season finally comes to an end. We all hoping for a better one with a new manager and with new faces.
