Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is hopeful his side can build on last season’s third-place finish in the Premier League in the 2023/24 season. The next step for the Dutch is for his men to start fighting for the crown.
Ten Hag are already busy strengthening their squad in the summer transfer window, but here are three current players who could be in line for strong seasons.
1. Marcus Rashford
Marcus Rashford scored 30 goals in all competitions last season, his highest since he turned professional. The England international is one of the most successful players since 10-year-old Hag joined Old Trafford.
Rashford was able to get a well deserved rest in the off season with no international summer competition. He played a lot of football last year so he needed to rest.
Rashford has impressed United fans all over the world, including in Zambia. He has the ability to launch a hot streak in front of goal, which should happen at the start of the new season to help United get off to a good start.
2. Raphael Varane
Raphael Varane will be in his third season at Manchester United and the World Cup champion has been invaluable since he joined the club. United’s defensive line has benefited from his experience and class.
With the addition of new signing Andre Onana from Inter Milan, United will increasingly play from behind next season. Varane, as a freelancer from Cameroon, is very comfortable with the ball at his feet, so they will be able to play the way the manager likes it.
Varane announced his retirement from international football earlier this year, so he’ll be fully committed to playing for United without having to travel around Europe in his international cap.
3. Antonio, whose
Brazilian Antony made his first season in England in 2022/23 after joining from Ajax for £82m. The winger showed flashes of brilliance last season but now that the season is behind him he can go on to contribute much more in a United shirt this season.
Antony was a key player for his squad at last year’s World Cup, which speaks volumes of his high esteem in Brazil. In his first season with the Reds he scored eight goals in all competitions but will be looking for a much bigger comeback next season.
In the coming years, the former São Paulo midfielder has the potential to become one of the best players in the world.