Old Trafford is familiar with false dawns, but no one can deny the feel-good factor at Manchester United.
The Red Devils carried the scars of a Europa League final defeat to Tottenham Hotspur and a humbling 15th placed Premier League finish from the previous campaign, and confidence was fragile at the start of the season.
A humiliating Carabao Cup third round exit against Grimsby Town turned up the pressure on Ruben Amorim, whose search for back-to-back league victories extended into October. Three in a row arrived either side of the international break, and the side stabilised in the top half of the table as winter rolled around.
However, ambivalence with Amorim remained. His men messed up several chances to move into the top five, and persistence with a back three continued to frustrate his critics. The will of the head coach bent in December, but that shift seemed to mark the beginning of the end, and a rift with the board brought the end to his tenure.
Days after a FA Cup third round exit to Brighton, Michael Carrick was tasked with taking the team back into Europe in the only competition that the Red Devils were still participating in. The interim head coach could have hardly done any better with that assignment, achieving wins over Manchester City, Arsenal, Tottenham, and Aston Villa in his first two months in the dugout as United sailed their way into the top three of the table.
A 3-2 triumph over rivals Liverpool sealed Champions League qualification at the Stretford End, and the board obliged with the decision everyone wanted: Carrick earned the head coach role on a full-time basis.
Words by Emmanuel Adeyemi-Abere.
Player of the Season - Bruno Fernandes
There were several players who made important contributions for Manchester United this season, but Bruno Fernandes stood above the rest.
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The club captain has been one of United's most influential players for years, yet the 2025/26 campaign felt like another reminder of just how important he is to this team.
At different points during the season, Fernandes was asked to do a little bit of everything. Injuries and changes within the squad often forced him into deeper positions, where he helped control games and keep the team moving forward. Later in the season, he returned to a more advanced role and became the creative force behind United's attack.
His tally of nine goals and a record-breaking 21 assists highlights the impact he made, but what impressed supporters most was his ability to deliver when the team needed him.
Whether creating chances, setting the tempo or leading by example, Fernandes remained at the centre of almost everything good United produced.
In a season that brought plenty of challenges, he was the player the team could always rely on. That is why Bruno Fernandes is a deserving Manchester United Player of the Season.
Words by Dhruv Kapoor.
Young Player of the Season – Kobbie Mainoo
Kobbie Mainoo's 2025/26 campaign was marred by trials and tribulations, but the midfielder rose through them and showed exactly why he is so highly regarded at Old Trafford.
The 21-year-old was effectively frozen out under former boss Ruben Amorim, but he never allowed that to knock him off course. Instead, he stayed patient, kept working, and eventually reaped the rewards under the stewardship of former United midfielder Michael Carrick, who has helped him flourish into a key part of the side since taking charge in January.
Mainoo's winner against Liverpool at Old Trafford stood out as a defining moment. It was a goal that captured his composure and ability to deliver on the biggest occasions, while also helping secure Champions League football for next season, restoring the Reds to Europe's biggest stage.
With a new long-term contract until 2031 signed and a call up to Thomas Tuchel's England squad for this summer's World Cup secured, Mainoo’s progress has been clear for all to see. United will be hoping this is just the beginning, because Mainoo looks destined to be a central figure in Carrick’s side for years to come.
Words by Ella Barber.
Best Performing Signing - Senne Lammens
Manchester United undoubtedly smashed their last summer window out the park, with all four of their new additions making a positive impact on the squad, but none more than Senne Lammens.
The Belgian was brought in for a reported fee of £18 million from Royal Antwerp on deadline day, and despite being relatively unknown to the Man United fan base, Lammens was immediately tasked with taking up the number 1 spot at Old Trafford after Andre Onana’s failed stint between the sticks. Since then, there has been no looking back.
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He impressed on his debut with a clean sheet against Sunderland, and now has finished the season with eight clean sheets in 32 Premier League matches, earning him the Premier League signing of the season award.
In terms of goalkeeping attributes, Lammens has it all. His reflexes are sharp, he commands his box well and is comfortable claiming crosses. However, the highlight of his game is his overall composure and calmness under pressure. He brings a sense of comfort to the defence in front of him, and is the complete package in goals.
One game that showed his pure class was performance against Everton away, where he won man of the match in a 1-0 victory.
You have to give credit to Benjamin Sesko, Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha who have all had a solid start to life in Manchester, but there was no debate when choosing Lammens as signing of the season.
Words by Levi Bass.
Most Improved Player - Luke Shaw
This was Luke Shaw's eleventh season at Manchester United, and while there has never been any doubt about his quality, fitness problems have often prevented him from showing his best form consistently.
Last season was particularly frustrating. Injuries restricted Shaw to only a handful of appearances, and many supporters wondered whether he would ever be able to establish himself as a reliable starter again.
The 2025/26 campaign completely changed that perception.
Under Michael Carrick, Shaw reinvented himself and became one of the most dependable players in the squad. Whether playing at left-back or as part of a back three, he provided calmness, experience and quality on the ball throughout the season.
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His improvement was not only tactical. Shaw worked hard behind the scenes to improve his fitness and maintain his availability, something that had often been a challenge earlier in his career. As a result, he featured in every Premier League match and delivered consistently strong performances from start to finish.
Few players in the league improved more dramatically over the course of the season, and Shaw's resurgence became a major reason behind Manchester United's success.
After years of setbacks, he finally reminded everyone just how important he can be.
Words by Dhruv Kapoor.
Surprise Package - Patrick Dorgu
Patrick Dorgu has been Manchester United’s surprise package of the season, impressing throughout the campaign on the left flank.
Signed as Ruben Amorim’s second addition in January 2025, he was initially viewed as a natural fit for the left wing-back role in a three-at-the-back system, having spent much of his career operating there in Serie A.
But, with United switching back to a back four, Dorgu has been given the freedom to play higher up the pitch on the left wing under Carrick, and he has taken to it brilliantly.
At just 21, he has shown energy and real attacking threat, registering eight goal contributions in 26 Premier League appearances and looking a consistently useful outlet whenever he has played.
His most memorable moment came against Arsenal, when he smashed in a stunning strike off the crossbar in a dramatic 3-2 win over the league leaders - a goal that later earned him United’s Goal of the Season award.
Injury did interrupt his momentum and keep him out for several months in the latter stages of the season, but when fit, Dorgu has been an exciting presence.
Words by Ella Barber
Standout Result of the Season – Arsenal (A)
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After a turbulent start to the season, Manchester United finished third and enjoyed several memorable moments. The club's fortunes improved following the appointment of Michael Carrick, who led United to a succession of vital wins, which secured Champions League football.
During this period, the Red Devils played some great football, dismantling Manchester City at home and winning a five-goal thriller against rivals Liverpool at Old Trafford. Despite several impressive victories, United's dramatic 3-2 win against Arsenal at the Emirates stands out as the club's best result this season.
This match came just after the derby day triumph, with Carrick facing the league leaders away from home. Arsenal took the lead through an unfortunate Lisandro Martinez own goal before Bryan Mbeumo capitalised on a wayward backpass to level the contest.
The visitors grew into the game and took the lead through a Patrick Dorgu screamer. The Gunners then equalised late on from a set piece, but super sub Matheus Cunha dramatically won the contest with a long-range stunner.
The victory continued Carrick's impressive start in charge and highlighted United's resurgence during the second half of the campaign.
Words by Rajan Sangha.