Erik ten Hag has done an admirable job since taking charge of Manchester United, helping them secure a third spot in the Premier League after losing his first two league games last season.
The Dutchman was able to help the Red Devils lift the Carabao Cup while also ensuring his side a place in the Champions League. However, his Man United side failed to win the FA Cup earlier this month and stop rivals Manchester City from winning the treble.
Nonetheless, it has been a season of progress for United, especially from where they were at the end of 2021/22 campaign. Ten Hag will now look to add some quality players to his squad in the summer transfer window as he continues to take the Mancunian outfit to new heights.
It remains to be seen how Ten Hag shapes his squad, but for now, here are three Man United players from the current roster to look forward to next season.
- Antony
Antony was signed from Ajax in a staggering £85 million deal last September, but he has endured a mixed debut campaign at Man United. Though there were flashes of promise from the winger during his first season, it was largely an underwhelming campaign as it yielded only eight goals and three assists in 44 appearances.
The Brazilian international suffered an ankle injury in United’s 4-1 win over Chelsea at Old Trafford that kept him out of the FA Cup final against Man City. Antony is expected to recover soon and participate in United’s pre-season tour starting on July 12.
A full pre-season under his belt should help Antony as he looks to fully adapt to the Premier League and add consistency to his game next season.
- Alejandro Garnacho
Ten Hag has shown in his first season at Old Trafford that if you are good enough, you are old enough. And academy star Alejandro Garnacho rightly proved that, breaking through into the senior side in a big way this past season.
With five goals and as many assists in 34 appearances across all competitions, Garnacho enjoyed a brilliant breakthrough 2022/23 season. The speedy winger’s mature performances saw the club reward him with a new contract in April, keeping him at Old Trafford until June 2028.
Unfortunately, Garnacho sustained an ankle injury against Southampton in March. But he came back stronger in late April and finished the campaign strongly. A future star in the making, the Argentinean is among the United players to watch out for next term.
- Marcus Rashford
Marcus Rashford has enjoyed a new lease of life since Ten Hag took over the reins at Old Trafford, netting 30 goals in all competitions—his most prolific season to date and a mighty improvement from his return of five goals in the 2021-22 campaign.
The England international was crowned both the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year and Player’s Player of the Year for this season. It has been an incredible turnaround from a player who not long ago looked like he was on his way out of Old Trafford.
Rashford is entering the final year of his contract and has attracted interest from PSG, but Ten Hag has confirmed his striker will sign a new deal to stay at the club. After a highly productive year, it will be interesting to watch if United’s No.10 can better those numbers.