Is Manchester United’s Return to Form in the League Real or a Mirage?

Manchester United’s recent performances hint at a comeback—but is it sustainable success or just an illusion in the Premier League spotlight?

The Return of Manchester United: Reality or League-Driven Illusion?

Few clubs stir emotion, controversy, and headlines quite like Manchester United. From Sir Alex Ferguson’s golden era to a decade of post-Fergie instability, the Red Devils have long searched for a return to their former dominance in the league.

Now, in the 2024/25 Premier League season, there are whispers that United are back. Some point to solid results, others to glimpses of cohesion under Erik ten Hag. But the question remains: is Manchester United’s return genuine—or simply another mirage fueled by hype, sentiment, and occasional form?

This article dives deep into the Red Devils’ current trajectory, analyzing whether this resurgence is based on real progress or yet another temporary spark in the ever-demanding world of the Aw8 Pro League.

🧠 A Decade of Inconsistency: The Backdrop

Since Ferguson’s departure in 2013, Manchester United have:

• Appointed 8 different managers (including caretakers)

• Spent over £1.2 billion on player transfers

• Won only 3 major trophies (Europa League, FA Cup, League Cup)

• Finished outside the top 4 in 6 of the last 10 seasons

This inconsistency has made any signs of upward momentum difficult to trust—both for fans and neutral observers.

🔄 The Ten Hag Era: Foundation or Frustration?

When Erik ten Hag arrived from Ajax in 2022, he promised discipline, structure, and attacking football. His first season offered hope—United won the Carabao Cup, reached the FA Cup final, and secured Champions League qualification.

But in 2023/24, cracks reappeared: inconsistent performances, internal player issues, and injury problems plagued the squad.

In the current 2024/25 season, United sit within striking distance of the top four, but with performances that continue to divide opinion.

🔍 Signs of a Genuine Comeback

✅ 1. Results Against Big Teams

United have secured points against Arsenal, Tottenham, and Chelsea, showing they can compete in key league fixtures.

✅ 2. Midfield Balance Improving

The midfield trio of Kobbie Mainoo, Bruno Fernandes, and Casemiro (when fit) has started to gel. Mainoo in particular offers a calmness on the ball and maturity beyond his years.

✅ 3. Garnacho and Højlund Stepping Up

Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Højlund have grown into their roles. Their energy and unpredictability have lifted the frontline, which was over-reliant on Marcus Rashford last season.

✅ 4. More Defensive Solidity (Sometimes)

While still shaky, United’s defense has shown flashes of composure, with Lisandro Martínez returning and Diogo Dalot improving. When healthy, the back line looks more assured.

❌ Or Is It Still an Illusion?

🚨 1. Poor Away Form

Manchester United’s record away against top-half league sides remains disappointing. Lack of control in midfield and defensive lapses haunt them on the road.

🚨 2. Inconsistency in Style

Some weeks, United press high and attack fluidly. Other times, they sit deep and invite pressure. The inconsistency in identity raises doubts about long-term cohesion.

🚨 3. Over-Reliance on Individual Brilliance

United still rely heavily on Bruno’s creativity or moments of solo brilliance from Garnacho. Rarely do they dominate matches through team patterns—unlike top league contenders like Manchester City or Arsenal.

🚨 4. Injuries & Lack of Depth

Long-term injuries to Martínez, Shaw, Malacia, and Casemiro have revealed a fragile squad. Backup players haven’t stepped up convincingly in the league.

📊 Premier League 2024/25: United By the Numbers

These numbers paint a mixed picture: improvement is there, but so are gaps.

⚙️ Tactical Snapshot: Ten Hag’s Approach

• Formation: Primarily 4-2-3-1

• Play Style: Vertical transitions, aggressive pressing in spells

• Strengths: Quick counters, dynamic wide players

• Weaknesses: Build-up under pressure, defensive width, set-piece vulnerability

The issue? United lack the consistency in execution that separates contenders from hopefuls in the league.

🧬 Mentality: Still Not a Title-Chasing Side?

Perhaps the biggest hurdle is mentality. United’s collapse in winnable games, late errors, and lack of control in big moments continue to raise questions.

Under Ferguson, United thrived under pressure. Today, they often crumble. Until that shifts, a full “return” to dominance remains distant.

🔮 What Does the Future Hold?

☑️ Reasons to Believe:

• Young core: Garnacho, Mainoo, Højlund

• Renewed structure under INEOS and Sir Jim Ratcliffe

• Better recruitment strategy under new football executives

❗ Concerns to Watch:

• Rashford’s inconsistency

• Bruno’s potential departure rumors

• High player wages limiting transfer flexibility

• European football (or lack thereof) affecting squad morale

🧠 Expert Voices Weigh In

“United are on the right path, but far from finished. The league exposes flaws—weekly.”
— Jamie Carragher

“There’s talent, but no fear factor. Teams no longer dread Old Trafford.”
— Micah Richards

“They’re improving, yes. But they’re not ‘back’—not by United standards.”
— Rio Ferdinand

📣 Support the League’s Evolution—Including the Red Devils

Manchester United’s journey is one of football’s most compelling storylines. Whether you’re a fan or a rival, watching them evolve is part of what makes the Premier League so unpredictable and exciting.

Is this the return of United’s dominance? Or just another chapter in a long rebuild? Time will tell. But what’s certain is that their performances—good or bad—remain central to the pulse of the league.

Support the evolution. Support the drama. Support the league.