Manchester United’s Rollercoaster Season Ends with Lingering Doubts
After months of highs, lows, and frustrations, Manchester United’s Premier League season has finally reached its conclusion. It has been a grueling campaign for Erik ten Hag and his squad, one marked by inconsistency, tactical struggles, and injury setbacks. While the Dutch manager has worked tirelessly to navigate the club through these challenges, the final outcome remains far from what fans had hoped for.
With United finishing in a disappointing eighth place, accumulating just 60 points, the gap between them and the top four is glaring—eight points adrift of Champions League qualification and a staggering 31 points behind league winners Manchester City. Such a massive gulf between United and their city rivals raises serious concerns about the club’s long-term trajectory.
Yet, the season is not over just yet. There remains one final opportunity for redemption—a chance to salvage some pride in the upcoming FA Cup final against Manchester City at Wembley. A victory there could provide a much-needed morale boost and perhaps even buy Ten Hag more time. However, before the team steps onto the grand stage, deep reflection is required on what has gone wrong this season.
Should Ten Hag Stay or Go?
With United’s struggles laid bare, the inevitable question arises: should Erik ten Hag remain in charge? Calls for his dismissal have grown louder, especially given the team’s inability to secure a European spot through league performance. However, there are arguments to suggest that patience may be the wiser course of action, particularly with INEOS assuming a more active role in shaping the club’s future.
Manchester United has spent enormous sums in the transfer market over the years, yet the squad still appears imbalanced and disjointed. It’s unrealistic to expect a complete turnaround in a single transfer window, even with new leadership overseeing operations. The upcoming summer will be crucial in determining whether United can correct their course and rebuild with a more strategic vision.
But before any of that unfolds, attention must shift to Wembley, where tactical decisions could determine whether United ends the season with a trophy or another bitter disappointment. Among those decisions, one name should be carefully reconsidered—Scott McTominay.
Should McTominay Start at Wembley?
The Scottish midfielder has endured an up-and-down campaign, much like the team itself. Despite speculation last summer linking him to West Ham, McTominay remained at Old Trafford and delivered a relatively solid return of 10 goals in 42 appearances. Given his previous career tally of just 29 goals at the senior level, this season has seen him make notable attacking contributions.
However, consistency has been a major issue. There have been moments where McTominay has stepped up with crucial goals, but there have also been stretches where he has faded into the background, offering little in midfield. His recent display in United’s 2-0 victory over Brighton was a prime example of his shortcomings.
Prominent fan commentator Mark Goldbridge did not hold back in his criticism, stating that McTominay “offered nothing” in midfield. While such a statement might seem harsh given his overall goal tally this season, his lackluster performances in recent weeks suggest that he is not the ideal choice for a high-stakes final.
Wasted Chances and Underwhelming Influence
One of the most glaring moments from the Brighton match came in the first half when McTominay squandered a golden chance to score. After being set up perfectly by Bruno Fernandes, he failed to control the ball properly before slicing his shot high and wide from a promising position inside the box.
This kind of wastefulness in front of goal is especially frustrating given that McTominay has been one of United’s more reliable goal-scorers this season. If a player known for his attacking threat is failing to capitalize on key moments, questions must be asked about his reliability in crunch situations.
Statistics further highlight his lack of influence. Against Brighton, McTominay managed only 36 touches—17 fewer than goalkeeper André Onana. For a midfielder playing the full 90 minutes, this is an alarming stat that underscores his limited involvement in the game.
Additionally, he failed to register a single key pass, complete a dribble, or make an interception. His sole defensive contribution was a single tackle, and while his pass accuracy of 88% was decent, it was largely inconsequential given how little impact he had on the overall play.
Tough Decisions for Ten Hag
As Ten Hag prepares for the FA Cup final, major selection dilemmas lie ahead. Rasmus Højlund, who scored after coming off the bench against Brighton, may have earned himself a place in the starting lineup. There will also be pressure to include Marcus Rashford, despite his inconsistent form, given his potential to deliver in big moments.
Another question mark surrounds Casemiro, who has been deployed in a more advanced role recently. If that experiment continues, McTominay’s place in the starting XI becomes even more uncertain.
Based on his recent performances, the Scottish midfielder should not be an automatic starter for Wembley. While he has had some standout moments this season, his inconsistencies and lack of midfield control make him a risky choice in a game where United must be at their absolute best to stand a chance against Manchester City.
The final decision rests with Ten Hag, but if Manchester United are to lift the FA Cup and end their season on a high, they may need to look be
yond McTominay for solutions in midfield.