Manchester United 2022/23 Predictions: Premier League Finish, Player Of The Year And More

With the Premier League season starting next weekend, Erik ten Hag is set to manage his first campaign as Manchester United manager.

In anticipation for United's start-date against Brighton at Old Trafford on 7 July, UtdDistrict have asked six writers to make some predictions for the 2022/23 campaign.

Firstly, there will be predictions for United's finishes in the Premier League, Europa League, FA Cup and Carabao Cup. Then each writer will predict the Top Goalscorer and Player of the Season for the club, before suggesting a 'surprise' of the season.

Let's get into it...

Joe Nuttall:

Premier League – 4th

After having a good pre-season tour in Thailand and Australia, there have been encouraging signs from the Red Devils already.

Tyrell Malacia is an exciting, fresh talent to bring through the door. He will no doubt provide more competition in the left-back spot this season. The signings of Lisandro Martinez and Christian Eriksen are both excellent additions to their respective positions. With a month until it closes, hopefully United’s transfer window can only improve.

Manchester United

There will certainly be an interesting battle for top four this season. Tottenham are a side who have recruited well so far. Arsenal have also made some strong signings, and Chelsea are another side who have made new additions to their squad. Along with United, these three sides will all look to push Liverpool and Manchester City to their absolute limit this season.

However, as good as these team look on paper, United look equally, if not more dangerous. The Red Devils have been playing genuinely exciting football during pre-season, and certain players have put in some exceptional performances.

The front three of Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial, and Jadon Sancho have all looked incredibly sharp, Bruno Fernandes has also gelled well with the forwards and Fred is another player who has looked sharp during the tour matches. Diogo Dalot and Harry Maguire have also put in some good performances in pre-season.

United really do have a squad capable of securing a top-four finish this season, especially if they can get a couple more signings in, ideally before the start of the season. There is certainly no reason why the Red Devils cannot finish in a Champions League position this season with Ten Hag at the helm.

Europa League – Winners

Of all the cup competitions United are in this season, the Europa League feels like the one they’re most likely to win. After finishing as runners-up in 2020/21, United will be hoping to go one better this time and win the cup.

Ten Hag's squad is certainly one of, if not the best, in the competition. Of course, there will also be clubs getting knocked out of the Champions League and into the Europa League to add to the strength of the competition. However, United stand an excellent chance of going all the way and winning the Europa League this season.

FA Cup – Semi-Final

The FA Cup is a great opportunity for United to go on a lengthy cup run, something that unfortunately did not happen last season.

As always, the Red Devils will not enter the competition until January. However, this is particularly helpful this season, because it means that international players who have been at the World Cup will not be thrown into the deep end of a key cup competition right away.

Hopefully, the Red Devils can string together some good FA Cup performances and go on a cup run this season.

Carabao Cup – Quarter-Final

As it often can be, the Carabao Cup will provide Erik ten Hag with a good opportunity to give chances to youngsters and first-team players who are struggling for game time.

Whilst it would be great to go on a cup run, it may well be the case that other competitions are prioritised this season. With that being said, it would of course be excellent to go on a cup run in the Carabao Cup, too.

Top Goalscorer – Anthony Martial

One of United’s two best players in pre-season, Anthony Martial is thriving so far under Ten Hag. After a largely unsuccessful 2021/22 season, where he struggled both at United and on loan at Sevilla, the France international has seemed rejuvenated during the 2022 pre-season tour.

His hold-up play has been second to none. His link-up play with those around him has also been excellent, and he has shown countless times how effective he can be when playing quick, one-touch football. The Frenchman has also demonstrated how good of a presser he can be.

However, aside from simply playing very well, Martial has also scored and created goals. All three of his goals, although different from each other in some capacity, were all well taken.

If he can carry on his pre-season form into the season, he will have a big year ahead of him. As someone who suits Ten Hag's system so well, it could be an exciting prospect for United fans to see Martial thrive this term.

Player of the Season – Jadon Sancho

The other of United’s best players during the tour, Jadon Sancho has performed exceptionally in the past few weeks. Sancho’s first season at United was a tough one, but in pre-season, he's ran the show for the Red Devils, playing predominantly as a right-winger.

The winger has displayed his lethal dribbling ability, constantly running at defenders, and looking to take them on in a one-vs-one scenario.

His link-up play with Diogo Dalot has been exciting to watch. The two players seem to have a great understanding. They both really seem to bring out the best in each other and complement each other’s game so well.

Sancho’s goals during pre-season showed just how composed and confident he is in front of goal. As he showed last season, he is such a creative player and registered some excellent assists too. With similarly creative players around him, Sancho really could thrive next season.

United fans know just how good Sancho can be. Ten Hag can certainly bring out the best in Sancho, and this could well be the season he steps up and shows why he is one of the best wingers in the world.

Surprise of the Season – Donny van de Beek

It is fair to say that so far, Donny van de Beek’s United career has not turned out how he, nor the fans, may have expected.

However, with the appointment of Erik ten Hag, who he has previously had success under, this season could well be the turning point for the midfielder.

As he showed on the pre-season tour, he is a very clever player in and around the box, and his assist for Marcus Rashford’s goal against Crystal Palace was a great example of this. Some of his United goals so far have been a result of some excellent movement in the box.

The opportunity for game-time will certainly arise for van de Beek this season. He could well surprise a few people with just how influential he could be under ten Hag across what is ultimately a long season with lots of opportunities. 

Michael Tunstall:

Premier League – 6th

The ongoing sagas surrounding Frenkie De Jong and Cristiano Ronaldo certainly aren’t helping Erik ten Hag. Manchester United have lost Nemanja Matic, Paul Pogba, Jesse Lingard, Edinson Cavani and Juan Mata. Dean Henderson has been sent out on loan and Andreas Pereira has been sold.

In response to their worst ever season in the Premier League, United have let eight leave and brought in just three players. Whilst those three are all good players, you wouldn’t be confident to say any are guaranteed starters.

Arsenal, Spurs, Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City were already in a better place than United and have each strengthened in this window with identifiable first-team signings. In my opinion, it’s likely that those five clubs will finish ahead of United and there’s even potential to get dragged into the chasing pack with the likes of West Ham and Newcastle.

United have a small squad and the Europa League will certainly compound matters. Much of it depends on how quickly Ten Hag can get these players to adapt to his system, further additions and quickly finding resolution to the De Jong and Ronaldo situations.

Europa League – Winners

The Europa League is ultimately United’s most realistic chance of silverware. It may also prove to be the only route into next season’s Champions League, which would echo Jose Mourinho’s first season at Old Trafford and the last time the club won a trophy.

Alamy

United certainly have the ability to beat anyone in the Europa League over two legs and I suspect this competition has already been highlighted by Ten Hag as a priority.

FA Cup – Fifth Round

Much like the League Cup, I don’t believe the domestic cup competitions will be a huge focus for Erik ten Hag this season. Juggling the Europa League and Premier League with a light squad will be Ten Hag’s priority although it’s likely we’ll see less rotation than in the League Cup. A favourable draw could see United go deeper into the competition and if they reach the quarter-finals it will be taken more seriously.

League Cup – Fourth Round

I don’t think Erik ten Hag will put too much emphasis on the League Cup this season. Primarily because United have such a small squad and there will be huge fixture congestion from the start of the season until the World Cup in November. I’d expect a fully changed XI for any League Cup tie and not to get further than the third or fourth round depending on who United face.

Top Goalscorer – Cristiano Ronaldo

Despite the ongoing saga and the noise around his place in the team, Ronaldo looks likely to stay and if he does, he starts. It’s pretty much that simple. Cristiano Ronaldo in an Erik ten Hag team should be something for fans to get excited about and it wouldn’t surprise me to see him surpass the 24 goals he got last season in less games.

Player of the Season – Jadon Sancho

Even without an impressive pre-season, I wouldn’t be putting anyone else’s name down. Sancho has shown flashes of what he’s capable of since joining the club but has lacked a system and direction. Erik ten Hag should provide that which will allow Sancho to thrive.

Surprise of the Season – Fred

I don’t think it’s too surprising but Fred has everything it takes to be an integral part of Ten Hag’s team. There are downsides to Fred, sometimes he lapses in concentration and isn’t the strongest in duels but there are so many pluses to his game. A better midfielder next to him will only enhance his strengths and he could rival Sancho for the Player of the Season gong. Another contender for Surprise of the Season might well be David De Gea and how he adapts his game to align with Ten Hag’s instructions but after his howler against Palace last weekend, we’ll play it safe with Fred for now.

Dharnish Iqbal:

League Position – 4th/5th

As the soap opera that is Manchester United churns on with a 37 year old Portuguese global super star unsure of whether he wants to be part of a new chapter for the club and the constant barrage of news updates in United’s chase for their number one target of the summer drags on, a new season is just around the corner. Ten Hag’s arrival has given everyone the lift and shot in the arm needed after a torrid 2021/22 campaign.

Cautious optimism seems to have returned to Old Trafford with a good pre-season under everyone’s belts and the players seemingly reacting to Ten Hag’s philosophy well, whilst fans seem to be enjoying a no-nonsense approach from the new manager. For the first time in a long time, United look to have a clear style of football that they may not execute perfectly in Ten Hag’s maiden season but there can at least be an acknowledgement of the blueprint trying to be implemented. The Premier League however is a different beast. 

It’s perfectly well and good getting hyped about friendlies in Australia and flirting with the idea of Martial FC accepting subscriptions again until you lose away to Brentford or lose a few games in a row and the pitchforks are out for a team many fell out of love with last season. It’s a pressure cooker like no other, but Ten Hag will be cut the ‘it’s the first season’ slack, don’t be shocked if you hear the phrase ‘they’re a work in progress’ on many occasions.

Man City and Liverpool are leaps and bound ahead of the rest of the league barring an ‘adapting to Haaland/Nunez crisis’ no team will come close to the challenge apart from Antonio Conte’s Tottenham Hotspur, the Italian has never finished outside the top four since his big break with Juventus in 2011. That leaves United probably teeter-tottering for fourth place vs Chelsea and Arsenal, who have made some extremely smart signings building on the work done by Mikel Arteta.

However the battle for fourth place in recent times has gone down to the wire with no team being able to put a firm grip on the Champions League spot until the very last day. It might seem optimistic but I think there is a good amount to work with in this United team and that we have probably allowed last season's dread cloud our judgment a little.

However with the five-substitution rule and the amount of players that have left this summer with what looks to be a heavily reliance on youth, two more signings could be what separates finishing fourth or fifth.

Europa League – Winners

Some of the Manchester United players will definitely still be hurting from the Europa League final in 2020/21, the odds were stacked in their favour to bring home the club’s first trophy in five years but it wasn’t to be. It may have been the beginning of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s demise.

This and the unpredictability of a long Premier League season may leave United in a spot where qualifying for the Champions League through winning the Europa League could be their best shot. The importance of returning to the elite European competition is huge and Ten Hag will be fully aware of this heading into the season.

FA Cup – Finalists

This is an interesting one because Ten Hag took the KNVB Cup in Holland seriously, winning the competition twice in his four year tenure.

A trip to Wembley is certainly something fans would cherish as it’s been a while (2018 to be exact). A good draw and some hearty semi-final individual performances could get United to the final before the toll of Europa League nights begins to show in a tired final loss.

League Cup – Fifth Round

Ten Hag will use this tournament along with some early Europa League games to test out a lot of United’s underused youth, the best thing about this competition is the fact we’ll get to see players like Charlie Savage, Alejandro Garnacho and Zidane Iqbal gaining valuable minutes, but a United loss in the fifth-round to a Premier League outfit that just cares a little more about this trophy wouldn’t be a surprise

Top Goalscorer – Bruno Fernandes 

By default, it wasn’t appropriate to include Cristiano Ronaldo with his future hanging in the balance but it wouldn’t be incorrect to assume United’s most forward thinking player will score more in a team Ten Hag is clearly trying to build to play extremely high. Coupled in with the fact United may or may not sign another forward that can get 15 goals a season, Fernandes in false 9 would thrive.

Player of the Season – Bruno Fernandes

Yes Jadon Sancho exists, yes we’d like to see Martial/Rashford back to their 17 goals in a season form like in Solskjaer's first full season, yes we’d all love to see Shawberto of 2020/21 but Fernandes is still undoubtedly the heart and soul of this team. Even in a ‘bad’ season Fernandes still had 16 goal contributions, he’s the one man creative unit the team should and will be built around more next season.

Many players will appear in a different light to us next season, unlocking their talent at last, proper coaching in a distinct structure. If this occurs United’s best player by a mile since he joined will be the shining light of this team with a little bit of troubleshooting.

Surprise of the Season – Luke Shaw

Erik ten Hag’s style of play requires a full-back’s job description to be vast. They very much thrive in his system. They are trusted to be creators, provide width and overlap as well as slot into midfield as inverted full-backs when an extra man is required in build-up play.

Alamy

Tyrell Malacia’s arrival might give Luke Shaw the kick up the backside needed in a similar vein to Alex Telles’ transfer from Porto. Luke Shaw underwent an extraordinary 2020/21 season for club and country, looking like one of the best full-backs in the world. What he showed that season was a ‘let off the leash’ type attitude that under Ten Hag he can rekindle.

Cameron Bhamra:

Premier League – 4th

Despite the issues surrounding Cristiano Ronaldo’s apparent unwillingness to play for Manchester United, Erik ten Hag’s Reds have had a strong pre-season and seem to be adapting quickly to the Dutchman’s methods and ideas.

Already, the link-up play between Jadon Sancho, Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford looks promising, and even more encouragingly, all three seem mentally sharp and quick to react on transition as well as being prepared to track back and support their fullback.

With the introduction of a well defined structure to United’s game, individual mistakes/poor spells from the forward players are having a less destructive impact on the team overall - the performance floor of the team has been raised which should lead to an increased points tally in the Premier League.

Whilst I expect United to perform more consistently this term, with a more sustainable method of creating chances and keeping possession, it is likely that frustrating goals conceded on transition will prevent any sort of title charge and maintain a significant gap to Liverpool and Manchester City.

This is a phase that all teams looking to dominate games must experience: often only the experience of conceding attacks after the smallest lapse of concentration or positional error can provide the necessary lessons to cut out these mistakes entirely.

Tottenham look to have made a significant step forward this summer - especially with their improvements at wing-back, and, with Antonio Conte driving them on, should finish third. Whilst Arsenal have made useful signings, lack of depth in midfield and lack of quality at full-back should see them struggle to reach the top four. Chelsea’s signing of Kalidou Koulibaly goes some way to addressing their defensive departures, but as yet, they still look light at the back which could prove costly to their top four hopes.

Europa League – Winners

An important route into next season’s Champions League, the Europa League cannot be discounted. The Red Devils will certainly be one of the favourites to win the competition, and this may prove the greatest test of their ability to break teams down.

In the knockout stages, expect teams to sit deep and try to hit United on the break - coming out on top would represent the first time in many years that United are reliably able to beat a low block.

FA Cup – Semi-Final

With a good draw, the FA Cup is United’s best chance of a domestic trophy. With the Third Round taking place after the World Cup, the squad should be more settled and accustomed to the new regime. Lower placed Premier League teams may struggle as their key players may need extensive breaks following their exploits in Qatar, and United’s depth (including a fresh Scott McTominay) should see them through the early rounds.

League Cup – Fifth Round

The League Cup should afford the youngsters and fringe players an opportunity to impress. Where under previous managers with a less well-defined play style, utilising a second string team often results in an aimless display, Ten Hag should be able to rotate and maintain a similar style with the entire first team squad having the same messages about how the game should be played. This should allow United to progress, though ultimately this competition is likely to be sacrificed given the inevitable fixture congestion.

Top Goalscorer – Bruno Fernandes

Throughout pre-season, we have seen more bodies in the penalty area, and aggressive positioning from the wingers in particular. Most impressively, though, the emphasis on creating chances through cutbacks has transformed United’s attacking power.

Most likely to benefit from this change is the magnificent, if at times forceful, Bruno Fernandes. His timing of runs and finishing ability should see him frequently on the end of a strong supply line - even more so if he resumes penalty taking duties.

Player of the Season – Jadon Sancho

Jadon Sancho has the tools to unlock any deep defence. His close control and ability to create and vary the rhythm of a game are the reason United were so desperate for his signature, and with runners around him in preseason he is showing his class. Playing with Fernandes, Anthony Martial and Diogo Dalot, Sancho should have the athleticism and ball supply from those around him that he needs in order to excel.

Manchester United

Surprise of the Season – Scott McTominay

Whilst many have dismissed the Scot’s preseason as evidence of him struggling to meet the level required from United, against Crystal Palace McTominay showed some of the ball carrying and striking skills that make him a goal threat from midfield.

Operating within a better structure, McTominay should have license to get forward, and with his powerful accuracy when aiming for the corners of the goal from range, McTominay could be the difference for United on a few occasions. Unlikely to be the man to break a low block (although his line-breaking passing has improved), but is capable of being a very solid box to box option - better than many would have you believe.

Matthew O'Hara:

Premier League – 5th

The 2021/22 campaign was certainly one to forget with Ralf Rangnick’s side slumping to a sixth placed finish. 

At times the football played by this side looked confused and ineffective, the opposite of what was expected when the “father of the gegenpress” came to Old Trafford. 

On pre-season evidence alone, Erik ten Hag’s side look to be playing an exciting brand of football that prioritizes possessions, proactivity and intensity, with this playstyle having the potential of turning Manchester United into a side that teams could be afraid of facing.

However, in the wider context of the Premier League it is hard to place Ten Hag’s Reds in the Champions League places.

Manchester City and Liverpool will most likely battle it out from the Premier League crown, and Chelsea look to be free-spending under new owner Todd Boehly with Guardiola’s 2021/22 top scorer already through the door in Raheem Sterling. Tuchel also looks to be splashing the cash on his revamped back-line with Kalidou Koulibaly already signed and other like Wesley Fofana and Presnel Kimpembe rumoured to be targets for the West Londoners.

These three teams will in all likelihood make up the top three, but fourth looks have been claimed by another London side.

Antonio Conte towards the back-end of last season had Tottenham Hotspur playing really effective football with the North London side clinching the last Champions League place.

Next year it looks like they could do the same with the Spurs higher-ups backing their Italian manager with a number of signings, including Ivan Perisic, Richarlison and Djed Spence. 

For Manchester United the aim must be to be the best of the rest, with fifth place looking like the Red Devils most likely finish, but if transfer business accelerates at Old Trafford with Frenkie De Jong and Antony being among names linked to the club, there could be the potential to challenge for Champions League football. This is a big ‘if’ however.

Europa League – Winners

United failure to qualify for the Champions League means the club will once again find themselves playing in the Europa League.

Unlike previous years when the Europa League symbolized failure, this year it presents a real opportunity for Erik ten Hag and Manchester United. 

Firstly, this competition presents the new manager a genuine opportunity at silverware, with the club reaching at least the semi-final in our last three entries in the competition.

Secondly, for Manchester United, winning the Europa League could be the best way to guarantee Champions League qualification with the Premier League qualification spots looking to be extremely contested next season.

Therefore, if Ten Hag can get this team playing his brand of football, there should be no reason why the team cannot challenge for this European title. 

FA Cup – Final

Away from the Premier League, Ten Hag will undoubtedly have his eye on a cup run, as securing some domestic silverware will be the quickest way to show the positive results of his Manchester United rebuild.

Out of the two domestic competitions, I am backing United to go all the way in the FA Cup, a competition United have a decent record in over the last couple of years.

United’s dramatic exit from the competition last-year in a penalty shootout against Middlesbrough sets the bar pretty low for Erik ten Hag.

If United are able to navigate their way through this historic competition to a Wembley final they will most likely face one of the best teams in the country, and perhaps a lack of recent finals experience could let the Dutchman's team down on the day. 

Reaching the final of this competition has to be the target for Manchester United and in my eyes, winning it would be an added bonus.

Carabao Cup – Quarter-Finals

Out of the two domestic competitions this is the one I believe Manchester United will be knocked out of at an early stage. 

The reason for this is the lack of depth in the squad, particularly in a strange World Cup year like this. 

This competition always takes place in the first-half of the season, and with the World Cup set to get underway in November, it remains to be seen how fixtures in different competitions will be reshuffled. 

What is clear is that a lot of Manchester United’s international stars will be playing a lot of football and this is where the team will falter in this competition as they will most likely be drawn against a Premier League side with superior squad depth and this could be the downfall in the cup.

A good end to the transfer window could counteract this, but overall, I see the Carabao Cup being lower on Erik ten Hag’s priorities in the new season.

Top Goalscorer – Anthony Martial

With the prospective loss of Manchester United legend Cristiano Ronaldo, one of Erik ten Hag’s forwards will have to step up to fill the potential goal-scoring void. 

United’s pre-season has featured a set first-team front-three with Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Anthony Martial all showing their skills and talents.

Returning from a half-season loan at Sevilla, Martial has excelled on the tour, scoring three goals in five games.

However, even when he has not been amongst the goals, like in United’s 2-2 draw against Aston Villa, the French forward has shown his worth to the side with good passing and hold-up play. 

It’s a massive season for Anthony Martial and I am backing him to take his chance under Erik ten Hag.

Player of the Season – Jadon Sancho

For some, top goalscorer and player of the season may be synonymous, but, whereas Martial will take the chances, it will hopefully be Jadon Sancho who will craft and create them. 

So far under Erik ten Hag, Jadon Sancho has looked like the player bought for £73 million last season, the player we saw in glimpses under Solskjaer and Rangnick. 

Ten Hag’s system has given the English winger more freedom in the attacking third, with Sancho having a license to play more centrally and link-up with the advancing right-back.

Like Anthony Martial, Sancho has netted three times on tour, but has also been instrumental in the build-up of United goals, with his technical ability and quick decision making standing out. 

After a relatively disappointing first season, it looks like Jadon Sancho is more than ready to step up and be one of Manchester United’s best players in the upcoming campaign.

Surprise of the Season – Fred

Manchester United’s transfer window has been dominated by talk of midfield reinforcements, with Dutchman Frenkie De Jong heavily linked with the Red Devils. 

However, until this transfer materialises, Erik ten Hag will have to work with the midfield options he has at hand. 

One midfielder that could benefit the most from Ten Hag’s style this season is Fred. 

Since his arrival in 2018, Fred has garnered a number of fans and critics with it being clear that the best is still to come from the Brazilian midfielder. 

A tenacious defensive presence with the ability to chip in with goals and assists, Fred has the tools that it takes to succeed under Erik ten Hag and if he can find his form, he could potentially be a huge asset to Manchester United in the upcoming campaign.

Mudeet Arora:

Premier League – 4th

While most of the fanbase is already ruling Manchester United out of the top four spot, the Red Devils are certainly are capable of making it to fourth, maybe higher, by the end of the 2022-23 season.

Why?

Well, let’s not forget that this season is going to be pretty unique when it comes to its composition. 

There is one full month’s gap in between due to the World Cup, which will definitely derail all clubs in some or the other way. There lies an opportunity if Ten Hag can plan his resources properly. 

Secondly, our team has played an exciting brand of football in pre-season in just a few weeks with Erik ten Hag. We can only expect this to become better and faster as the season rolls on.

There is no doubt our rivals have strengthened, but we have a new brain in that dressing room and we must trust that it is at least worth a top four spot.

Europa League – Winners

The Europa League could be a chance for Manchester United to pick up some silverware with Erik ten Hag in the 2022/23 season.

A European trophy is due for five years at Old Trafford and that void will be filled this season as United will run riot in what will be a one-sided win.

FA Cup – Final

If there’s one trophy Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag should definitely target in his first season at the club, it is the FA Cup.

The Red Devils have an incredible record of winning the most prestigious cup in England and this season may just be the right time for them to start winning some silverware.

With all that being said, United will only be able to make it to the final and that in itself could be regarded as an achievement.

Carabao Cup – Winners

The first silverware that Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag will claim with the club will be the Carabao Cup.

United have a solid record in this competition too and unlike the FA Cup, there is greater scope of not only reaching the final, but also winning it provided Ten Hag concentrates on gaining glory in the short term or concentrating on his season’s long term objectives.

Top Goalscorer – Cristiano Ronaldo

It might not look good for Cristiano Ronaldo as of now, but it cannot be denied that he will play a major role in contributing important, trophy winning moments this season. Despite his ongoing saga, Ronaldo will stay on at the club and deliver his best out of his love for the club, scoring 20+ goals in the Premier League followed by 10+ goals in other competitions.

Player of the Season – Jadon Sancho

Probably every fan will agree on this that based on what we’ve already seen in pre-season, Sancho has settled in at United pretty well and the 2022/23 season could well be the season he gains a heroic stature at the Theatre of Dreams.

Sancho has been excellent in pre-season, turning out to be one of the most exciting players in the squad, dribbling past opponents for fun and coming up with goals in order to build his confidence. This season is his season.

Surprise of the Season – Donny van de Beek

When Erik ten Hag arrived at Manchester United, there was no doubt among fans that Donny van de Beek would finally get a real chance to shine at the club.

However, based on the pre-season, the situation doesn’t look that great for the Dutchman. Ten Hag knows the player in and out, which is why I believe he has a plan for Van de Beek and this plan could turn out to be a master-stroke in the grand scheme of things.

I predict Van de Beek to be one of the major contributors to Manchester United winning a trophy in the second half of the 2022/23 season.