The Red Devils had just completed their worst campaign in Premier League history, culminating with an eighth-place finish, their lowest since the league’s inception in 1992. Ten Hag had frustrated fans and while United upset the football betting odds to beat City at Wembley in the FA Cup, it left a lot to be desired.
Indeed, the new season represents a clean slate for Ten Hag at Old Trafford. New owner Jim Ratcliffe has set about splashing the cash as he hopes to guide United back into a Champions League position. Ten Hag was given an extended deal, but that doesn’t make the 54-year-old exempt from criticism.
Despite the heavy spending in the summer window, the pressure will remain on the Dutchman from the minute United kick their campaign off in the Community Shield and then at home to Fulham in the Premier League.
Two trophies in two seasons have saved the day for Ten Hag, but now comes the time for more consistency across the domestic campaign. He’ll need his players to stand up and be counted.
In this article, we assess they key players for Ten Hag as he begins his third season as United manager.
Casemiro
Casemiro’s two seasons at United have been entirely juxtaposed. The midfielder arrived from Real Madrid on the back of a Champions League victory when he signed from Real Madrid for £70 million. The Brazilian added tenacity and experience to a United side that won the League Cup, playing a pivotal role in the final with a 33rd-minute goal and Man of the Match performance.
However, his sophomore year at Old Trafford proved more challenging. His physical limitations were more exposed, and the ill-discipline that was once praised for passion had become frustrating, with Casemiro booked 14 times in his United career so far.
As he approaches the twilight of his career in European football, he will need to prove many wrong in his third season.
Marcus Rashford
Another player going into a make-or-break season is Marcus Rashford. The winger was omitted from Gareth Southgate’s England squad for Euro 2024 and arrives with a point to prove after another lukewarm campaign in front of the Stretford End.
Rashford is a player that relies heavily on form. His goalscoring run at the start of 2023 was integral to Ten Hag’s maiden year, and the 26-year-old is approaching what should be the peak of his powers after almost a decade in the first team setup.
Many feel that Rashford has to deliver on his potential now before it’s too late, but with his deal running until 2028, expect him to be a mainstay in Ten Hag’s team.
Joshua Zirkzee
The newest edition to Ten Hag’s strike force is expected to be their talisman for this season – Joshua Zirkzee.
Having risen through the ranks at Bayern Munich, Zirkzee enjoyed a breakout campaign for Bologna in Serie A last season, scoring 11 times as Thiago Motta’s side finished in a Champions League place.
The Dutchman is quick and powerful, complementing last summer’s signing Rasmus Højlund, who showed glimpses of brilliance in his first campaign at United. The duo could form a strong partnership that Ten Hag will need to rely on this season.
