There are moderate expectations for Manchester United heading into the 2025/26 season.
After winning the 2024 FA Cup Final, Manchester United entered last season full of optimism. It was entirely misplaced, and Erik ten Hag was fired after just three months.
Ruben Amorim could not stop the rot and the team slunk to a pathetic 15th place. Now it is time to start afresh.
There is positivity once again after an impressive transfer window, with Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko signed for considerable expense.
Former star Roy Keane believes United might improve to 8th or 9th place, clearly setting his expectations moderately.
Manchester United snubbed in pre-season predictions
As part of the Premier League’s preparations for the upcoming season, they asked 10 pundits for their predictions.
There was a consensus view that Manchester United will not contend for the Premier League title, or make an impression in the Champions League race.
Not a single one predicted United would finish inside the top four places, and as far as individual awards, no Red Devils players were backed to win the Golden Boot, assist leader, or player of the year honours.
More United News
Head coach Ruben Amorim did not feature in the predictions for Manager of the Year either.
Kobbie Mainoo dribbling with the ball for Manchester United.
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
Kobbie Mainoo tipped for strong 2025/26 season
One player who did get a mention was 20-year-old midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, who is being tipped to have a strong campaign.
Former Premier League midfielder Matt Holland named Mainoo when asked to predict the ‘best young player’ in 2025/26 season.
Holland said: “Perhaps a left-field choice given he didn’t play as much as he would have liked last season.
“He has such natural ability and I’m a huge fan of his. I expect Man Utd to be much better this season and that will help him have a bigger impact in the Premier League.”
Other nominees included Tino Livramento, Adam Wharton and Manchester United transfer target Carlos Baleba.
Mainoo had an inconsistent 2024/25 season and he faces a challenge to live up to his star billing for the upcoming campaign.
He started only 18 minutes of Manchester United’s final pre-season game, and has to earn a regular starting spot in midfield.
Ruben Amorim is trying to find his best two-man combination out of Bruno Fernandes, Manuel Ugarte, Casemiro and Kobbie Mainoo.
Fernandes’ role as captain already gives him an edge, and requires a defensively focused player to play alongside him.
Mainoo might end up being Fernandes’ long-term successor, rather than his partner, and he must find a way to overcome the challenges he faces.
If he can live up to Matt Holland’s prediction, Manchester United fans will be very happy.