Premier League team guide: Manchester United in the spotlight

Manchester United will enter the season with a renewed hunger after securing a place in the Champions League and reaching the FA Cup final last term.

The Red Devils have been improving under Erik ten Hag and have made some shrewd signings this summer as they attempt to bridge the gap to rivals Manchester City.

Last season: Third

Ten Hag's first full season in charge was a success as he won the Carabao Cup to end United's trophy drought.

The 13-time Premier League winners finished 14 points off eventual victors City but had a comfortable eight-point gap to Liverpool in fifth.

It was a bumpy start for the FA Cup finalists, who lost their first two matches to Brighton and Brentford, but a crucial win over Jurgen Klopp's Reds set things in motion for United. 

They won six of their following 10 games in the league and continued their hot streak into the new year. 

Old Trafford hosted some memorable fixtures in the early parts of 2023, with victories over City, Aston Villa and Chelsea enough to cement a respectable top-three finish.

New faces

United have reinforced some key areas of their squad over the break — including their midfield and goalkeeper.

Champions League finalist Andre Onana replaced David de Gea in goal in an attempt to facilitate Ten Hag's desire to play out from the back, while Mason Mount has arrived from Chelsea to add some more energy in the middle of the pitch.

A new attacking prospect has arrived in Rasmus Hojlund who is joining from Atalanta in a deal that will set United back £72million.

The Danish goalscorer impressed in Serie A last season but will be expected to hit the ground running under his new head coach.

One to watch: Kobbie Mainoo

Ten Hag has used pre-season as an opportunity to allow some of his up-and-coming youngsters to get some valuable minutes and Kobbie Mainoo has been particularly impressive.

The 18-year-old spent last season patrolling the midfield for the Under-18s made the starting XI for most of the matches in the United States, including against Arsenal and Real Madrid.

But the talented youngster hobbled off against Los Blancos having started alongside Casemiro and Mount.

His injury is not thought to be serious and Mainoo could be in line for a place in the squad against Wolves on August 14.

The boss: Erik ten Hag

Ten Hag has now had over a year to familiarise himself with his players and the former Ajax boss is starting to thrive in the Premier League.

The 53-year-old made a name for himself in Amsterdam and led the 36-time Eredivisie winners to the Champions League semi-finals in 2019.

His high-tempo, aggressive style of play helped him win over the United fans rapidly but he will have to start delivering silverware soon if he is to go down as a great at Old Trafford.

The English giants have not hesitated to back Ten Hag in the transfer market and the onus is now on him to repay the owners' faith in his methods.

All information correct as of August 7, 2023