Manchester United is having one of the strangest seasons in their rich history. The club’s performances on the pitch haven’t encouraged the fans and its problems off the pitch in 2023 have made the record English Champions a laughing stock for rival fans. United fans are getting frustrated with the management of the club and have demanded answers. Some of them have already given up on the club’s hopes in the 23/24 season.
Energy. pic.twitter.com/te0v4S32wr
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) December 26, 2023
Whether it is the underperformance of certain key players or shocking losses, Manchester United fans went through everything in 2023. Please look at 5 such moments, when the 3-time European Champions let down their fans.
5 forgettable moments for Manchester United fans in 2023
1)Erik ten Hag’s infamous feud with Jadon Sancho
Manchester United had lost a crucial match to rivals Arsenal on September 3, 2023. The harsh 3-1 defeat to The Gunners, however, had a much more severe ripple effect than anticipated. It unfolded one of the worst player-manager battles in soccer history.
The former Borussia Dortmund player was furious at his manager for not picking him up for the crucial match. Erik ten Hag opined that Jadon Sancho’s performances in the training sessions weren’t encouraging enough. So, the Dutch tactician instead turned to the younger players for the game.
But in doing so, the former Ajax coach infuriated Jadon Sancho. The English winger took to social media platform X, to make his feelings known. Jadon wrote, “Please don’t believe everything you read! I will not allow people to say things that are completely untrue, I have conducted myself in training very well this week.”
Ten Hag and some of his #mufc staff have not been happy with Jadon Sancho’s level of training. Tensions have been around for the past two to three weeks.
Sancho thinks there is something else and those close to him insist he is doing his best.
Ten Hag believes he did his best… pic.twitter.com/JlJcBXGYcO
— utdreport (@utdreport) September 4, 2023
Jadon Sancho accused Erik ten Hag of turning him into a ‘scapegoat’ after their frustrating loss to Arsenal at the Emirates. Although the 23-year-old has deleted the post, this hasn’t gone down well with Erik ten Hag. The Dutch tactician wants an apology and has since ostracized the winger.
Jadon Sancho wasn’t on the annual team photo and reportedly eats his meal alone at the club. The 23-year-old is training alone and will probably be on the move in January 2024.
2)United’s shocking performances against Galatasaray
Manchester United created history for all the wrong reasons on October 4, 2023. ‘The Red Devils’ were playing Turkish giants Galatasaray in Matchday 2 of UEFA Champions League 23/24. Gala registered an emphatic 3-2 victory over the 20-time English Champions. Rasmus Hojlund, United’s new striker scored a brace, but the winner by Mauro Icardi in the 81st minute sealed the fate of ‘The Red Devils’.
Former Barcelona academy player Mauro Icardi scored the winner for Galatasaray in the Champions League against Man United.
He did it against goalkeeper Andre Onana, who also played at La Masia.
Wild 😳 pic.twitter.com/4iaWjAf29i
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) October 4, 2023
While the defeat at home was tough, United fans were all set to witness another heartbreak. United blew a 2 goal lead to share points with Gala in Istanbul. Hakim Ziyech scored two free kicks on the same to earn a valuable point for the Turkish team. That draw practically ended United’s hope to qualify for Europe. Andre Onana, United’s new goalkeeper was subjected to some harsh criticism for his performances in the match.
3)Andre Onana’s goalkeeping howlers
David De Gea was the long-standing goalkeeper for ‘The Red Devils’ before the beginning of the 23/24 season. The Spanish goalkeeper had won the Premier League Golden Glove multiple times and was a fan-favorite at Old Trafford. However, his inability to play with his feet forced United to sign Andre Onana.
It made total sense as Onana was amongst the best goalkeepers in Europe in the 22/23 season, where he played in the final of the Champions League with Inter Milan. The United board therefore decided against extending De Gea’s contract, and Onana became the first-choice goalie of the club.
Andre Onana’s mistakes this season. Ball playing goalkeeper, enjoy 🤭pic.twitter.com/ddWPvYT6M1
— Nungua Burnaboy (@Views09) October 8, 2023
United fans’ joy with the signing of the Cameroonian player soon turned into their worst nightmare. Onana seemed to have succumbed to the pressure of being United’s goalkeeper. The 27-year-old is consistently making silly mistakes and it is hurting the team dearly.
Onana let in 12 goals in his first 8 games, much to the dismay of the United fans. Some of them were even disappointed at the acrimonious departure of David De Gea from the club, whom they count as a club legend.
4) The continuing injury crisis of Manchester United
The English club is having one of the worst injury crises in Europe. As many as 11 players have been sidelined due to injuries at some point in 2023. The long list includes prominent names like Tyrell Malacia, Lisandro Martinez, Casemiro, Harry Maguire, etc. The Manager has been rendered helpless as Erik ten Hag has had to play a degraded squad.
ℹ️ The boss has provided the latest injury updates from Carrington, including news on surgery for @VLindelof 👇#MUFC || #WHUMUN
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) December 22, 2023
Even the Dutch tactician looks clueless about the continuous injuries in the team. Erik said (via The Guardian), “We did research about it but there are so many factors, you can’t point at one factor. But in this moment what is most important is that we have to deal with it and we have to work to get the players back as soon as possible because we know we have a strong squad once we have everyone on board.”
United’s defense has suffered the most in this regard. Harry Maguire, Tyrell Malacia, Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw, and Victor Lindelof have all sustained serious injuries in 2023. There hasn’t been a consistent defense for the team to build up center-back partnerships.
5) Manchester United’s Champions League misadventure
The English team’s return to Europe’s premier club competition was a nightmare nonetheless. Manchester United’s 23/24 UEFA Champions League campaign was officially the club’s worst campaign in the club’s history.
The club finished bottom of the group and thus couldn’t even make it to the Europa League. The once favorites of the tournament have now been relegated to a very lowly position.
Group stage complete 🙌
What surprised you most? 🤔#UCL pic.twitter.com/OsXqhOHrDE
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) December 13, 2023
The club could only manage 5 points from their 6 competitive games. Their defense was in shambles as United conceded 15 goals in the group itself, which is a competition record. Manchester United failed to keep clean sheets in 5 of the 6 Champions League games the club played in. It also gave out 4 penalties in each of the first 4 games in the competition.