21st May has an important place in the history of Manchester United. In 2008, Chelsea defeated fines in Moscow to win their third UEFA Champions League title under the guidance of one of the largest managers of all time, Sir Alex Ferguson. In the same season they also won the Premier League and underlined their dominance as one of the real giants of English football.
Fast move forward to 2025 and 21st. May is now the date United fans would rather forget. In the match, which revealed a glaring lack of quality in the current team, they lost the final of the European League Tottenham Hotspur. Red Devils registered 16 shots – six at the goal – while Spurs had only one, which turned out to be crucial.
But that was the story of the United 2024-25 campaign: Nightmare from start to finish. Set to end the season on the 16th or 17th place and rescued from the descent only because Southampton, Leicester and Ipswich were worse, United looked shadow of its former self – in the echoes of the past glory.
In order to bring things to the perspective, the final loss of the European League was 20. Defeat of the Manchester United season – their most in one campaign since 1973-74, when they were postponed.
20 – Manchester United suffered his 20th defeat in all competitions this season; Most of the campaign from the loss of 22 in 1973-74, when they were displaced from the highest flight. Humiliating. #Uelphinal pic.twitter.com/akdasczdnu– Optajoe (@optajoe) May 21, 2025
So, where did it all go for Red Devils?
Was it just a lack of quality in the field? Or was the bad decisions of ownership a deeper part of the problem?
Let’s take a look at the key reasons for the worst Premier League United campaign and their European heartbeat-season, which ended without silver and only bitter disappointment.
Gluing with ten hag after the wrong season 2023-24
The first main incorrect step was to retract Erika after the stunning campaign 2023-24. United finished eighth, while the Dutch system and tactical shortcomings were repeatedly exposed.
The public gradient itself did not help Sancho, and although there were a fleeting high body-as the dramatic victory of the FA Cup over Liverpool and the last triumph over Manchester City-it has lived to live in a borrowed time.
Until then, Ineos took over the club operations and their first big decision was the future of ten hag. Despite testing water with other options, including Thomas Tuchel, they decided to support the Dutchman. Erik that Hag was released in October. (Photo: Reuters)
This decision turned out to be expensive. The form of the Premier League United continued to slip and after a loss to West Ham in October, ten hag were finally shown the door.
But the problem is not to throw away ten hag – it was about who they brought. Ruben Amorim, known for his strict tactical methods and a structured system, worked in sporting miracles and turned them into one of the most interesting European parties.
His system, however, did not properly equal with players in United. Result? Unrelated group and continuing defeat. Old Trafford, once a fortress, has become something other than.
Given that only one game remains 25. May, the only thing to play is whether it will end on the 16th or 17th – with the European night we will look forward to next season.
A faulty handover line that never clicked
The financial restrictions of United are not a mystery and their inability to sign a proven attacker chased them for two seasons. The Harry Kane agreement was considered too expensive, so they spent around 64 million Rasmus Hjlund.
While Dane showed a promise last season, the 2024-25 campaign became a figure of frustration. He scored only 10 goals in 51 performances – Six in the European League – and lasted a long drought in the Premier League.
Alejandro Garnacho was a bit better, with 11 goals out of 58 games, but his temperament, decision and consistency were strongly criticized.
Joshua Zirkzee was brought with high expectations, but the Dutch man looked more like no. 10 than an attacker in the Amorim’s system, and only a little contributed.
The absence of a reliable 30-bridged attacker was obvious and one of the greatest reasons United’s fighting.
Where is the mentality?
Manchester United has always been known for his mentality. “Fergie Time” was not just the term-it was a reflection of an attitude that did not meet in the group, built into the team.
This current united party seems to be missing this essence.
Former behind the scenes of Benni McCarthy, he spoke after the final loss of the European League, lamented over the lack of winning mentality in the current team. According to him, too many players became satisfied as soon as they arrived in United.
“What I have experienced I think many players lacked the hard mentality. You are dependent on coaches around you to motivate you to want to go out to win the matches. It wasn’t in them.
“As soon as you sign for Man United, you have done it now. So it wasn’t” real hard work now “and you have to keep that week in the week. And I just felt that “When you get to Man United, then you can relax. That was the biggest problem I found,” McCarthy said.
This sentiment reflects what many fans have called for years: too many big earnings, insufficient commitment.
What will be next?
Right now Manchester United is on the bottom of the rock. There is no sugar.
Yes, during the run of Europa League were magical moments – but these moments were based on deep cracks in the group and structure.
The only way forward is now upstairs – but it will require brave decisions.
The Ruben Amorim pad is the first. Its beginning in England could be rough, However, there are indications that due to the right instruments, his philosophy can work on United. Ruben Amorim will have to be supported in summer (with permission: Reuters agencies)
His bold decision to advance Marcus Rashford could raise his eyebrows, but it probably helped the players and the team. Rashford could be the first major departure this summer, with Victor Linfl, Christian Eriksen and others who are likely to follow.
United must also be intelligent and ruthless on the transfer market. The Matheus Cunha Agreement looks closer, but the club needs the best striker who suits Amorim’s style and guarantees goals.
But more than any of this, United needs players with the right mentality – those who want to fight for the badge and not just collect payout.
The key will be maintained by the main players such as Bruno Fernandes, Amad Diallo and Kobbie Mainoo. Among them will be needed to decide on others – Onan, Shaw and Garnacho.
Only the people – and outside the playground – can save United from a further decline. And this time they can’t afford to flash.
A chapter to forget – but a story that must change
The 2024-25 season will fall as one of the darkest in Manchester United. But if history tells us something, it is that United has always bounced off.
Since the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson, the club has lived in the constant state of “reconstruction”. This apology is no longer valid. Now it is to do or die.
There is no time for another false dawn – only bold, the necessary events can lead the club from these shadows.
Otherwise, there will be another period like this. And Manchester United, a club with such a rich past, just can’t afford it.
Published on:
May 22, 2025
