It has been an utterly disgraceful show from United in the ongoing season
Manchester United’s season has been a painful sequence of stumbles that has left their fans with no answers and too many questions. In August, there was some optimism. Reinforcements promised to bolster weak areas, the coaching staff spoke of a clear blueprint, and the Champions League seemed within reach.
But that illusion slowly faded with every dull game, every inexplicable defeat and every bad decision made from the offices to the pitch. It all came to a head with the Europa League final, where the team had the chance to make up for the disaster. They failed; they failed again.
The final blow came against a Tottenham side that had not lifted a trophy for 17 years. Brennan Johnson pushed in a loose ball before half-time, and that goal was enough to confirm what was already feared: United will not be playing in any European competition in 2025/26.
Luke Shaw gives an honest assessment of what went wrong for Manchester United this season
The match was poor in quality, reflecting the state of the team. The defeat not only capped a dreadful campaign but aggravated their already deteriorating image. The worst thing is that this came as a surprise to no one, not even the players themselves. Luke Shaw acknowledged that the whole squad must ask themselves if they really deserve to wear that shirt. He admitted that the season has been unacceptable and that the team cannot hide.
Luke Shaw shares a candid reflection on Manchester United's struggles during a disappointing season.
Luke Shaw shares a candid reflection on Manchester United’s struggles during a disappointing season.
“It’s hard to put into words the season, but I think for a club like Manchester United it’s not really good enough. I think definitely me and I think all of us have to question ourselves tonight. Are we good enough to be here? Because this club, this season, it’s not acceptable. We know that and it’s down to us. So like I said, I think it’s really tough to take. It’s hard to say anything else really apart from what I’ve just said. I think we have to look at ourselves. Something has to change.”
I fully agree with that analysis. This United team has lost identity, intensity and direction. From a lack of tactical consistency to mistakes in squad planning, everything has contributed to this mess. The defence has been a shambles, the midfield has been flat, and the forward line has no spark. Not even the youngsters showed signs of a solid future. And the most alarming thing: there is no self-criticism at the managerial level; No Champions League, no Europa League, nothing. The only thing left to do is to rebuild, and that means tough decisions. Changing the coach could be a solution, but if it is not accompanied by a long-term vision, they will fall again.
More Manchester United News:
The future is also at risk in economic terms. Income from European competitions will disappear, which will affect transfers and perhaps force sales. The pressure on the management will increase. It is no longer enough to change names; it is necessary to build a proper project, with players who are really committed and not just hired for their name. But beyond the football disaster, there is a different point of view that deserves attention: the fans.
The fans have resisted, they have filled Old Trafford, they have followed the team with admirable loyalty. The club owes them a great deal. Next season will not only be a test for the players, but also an opportunity to restore some dignity to those who never got off the boat. United hit rock bottom, but rock bottom is also the place where you can lift yourself up. If they don’t react now, perhaps what is lost is not a season, but the respect that remains.