Amid the gloom of an eighth-placed Premier League finish there was plenty to bring optimism to Manchester United. Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s new minority ownership lifted the club out of a malaise, even if the results are yet to be witnessed, Kobbie Mainoo proved the academy is still producing elite talent and they won the FA Cup final against Saturday’s Community Shield opponents – and fierce rivals – Manchester City.
There were, however, many reasons why the team ended in their worst Premier League position and bowed out of Europe in December. Injuries played a major part and Erik ten Hag never looked to have a definitive plan of how to achieve his objectives but another key issue was the lack of senior players having the influence their reputations demand.
