Analysis

Our Exclusive Analysis: Manchester United 2020-21 season review

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Manchester United has officially secured the second spot in the Premier League table this season.

Well, Manchester United fans. We have another big season coming to an end. Yes, it’s the 2020-21 season and it crossed a lot of expectations, so much we didn’t even imagine.

It was filled with joy and anger as well as moments of absolute amazement. Manchester United was much improved this season and had a lot to show for the fans. Last season was full of semi-final shows, where United didn’t enter any finals. But this time the curse was destroyed as it was something different. They couldn’t complete the final huddle though.

Ole Gunnar Solksjaer was able to build a strong team. He proved that his team can fight for the glory of the club.

Moments of joy, big scoreline matches, last-minute nail-biting finishes, a Super League or so-called ‘LUST LEAGUE’, Changes in the management and the authority, Fans’ voices all around, Fantastic last-minute signings, The Big Final Loss and so on. The season really had everything for everyone.

Just like a wonderful novel waiting for its readers to peep into its contents, let’s get deep into the secrets of the 2020-21 season and how Manchester United fared in this year:

The Ultimate Season Opening match:

You would have heard about players scoring last-minute winners and injury time heartbreaking goals. But this match was above every level. Two goals scored after four minutes into injury time. This sounds ridiculous.

Manchester United had an awful first match of the 2020-21 Premier League season as they were defeated by Crystal Palace by a 3-1 scoreline. They had a point to prove and get their campaign underway when they were about to face Brighton and Hove Albion on the 26th of September 2020 away at the Falmer Stadium. This match was no less than a spectacular Manchester United comeback.

Neal Maupay scored the penalty to give Brighton the lead, but then an own goal from Lewis Dunk just before half-time gave United some strength heading into the second half. But then Brighton was behind again as Rashford scored for United in the 55th minute. All were expecting that this match will end with a 2-1 scoreline as the game reached 90+4 minutes.

But wait, hold on… Brighton surprisingly scored a late leveler by the 95th minute and the players celebrated as they waiting for the final whistle. But interestingly the referee was happy with the match and didn’t whistle as it entered 90+10 minutes and that’s the time when Bruno Fernandes scored via a penalty after Maupay was subjected to a handball in the penalty area.

What a breathtaking match.

The Big Tottenham Slap:

After approximately 9 years, United suffered a heavy defeat by more than five goals. Tottenham was always a fierce rival for Manchester United. But never did they provided them with such damage. It was a big slap for the United players, and an insult that remained in their hearts for a long time.

Tottenham Hotspur defeated Manchester United by a 1-6 scoreline on the 4th of October 2020. Mourinho’s side was simply a monster that United never managed to handle well. It was an all’ KANE-SON’ Performance.

Harry Kane and Son Heung-min scored two goals each as they were unstoppable that day. Both of them even contributed with an assist as Serge Aurier and Tanguy Ndombele further scored to pile up a big mess to clean for Manchester United.

United did score the first goal of the match through a Bruno Fernandes penalty within just 2 minutes of the match. But that was not at all enough for them to explain their disastrous performance. The players and the manager then apologized to the fans of the club and promised to put a spirited performance in the games to come.

The Almighty Sancho Saga:

Before the start of the 2020-2021 season, one name was prominently linked to Manchester United. And it was Jadon Sancho. Man United was behind the star winger’s signature but destiny had other plans.

Borussia Dortmund was not ready to sell their star attacker and demanded United to pay ยฃ109m(ยฃ120m in total) to get the transfer done. They even provided United with a deadline date as the end of August to get the deal done or else the player will not be allowed to leave.

The transfer didn’t move a bit and after months of speculation and intense rumors, United fans were disappointed as they didn’t get the deal done. The price for the player was very high and taking into consideration the Covid related financial strain, it was impossible to buy the player at that time.

Manchester United continued with their attacking players and hold on they didn’t miss Sancho even a bit as another star player stepped up for the team. We will not reveal his name now, You will get to know about him later. Scroll down, folks.

The Deadline Day Action:ย 

Manchester United certainly missed out on Sancho but they were able to capture some other gems. These players were not the targets United had planned initially. Man United signed Van De Beek early in the summer transfer window as a ยฃ35m deal was sealed with the Ajax midfielder.

But then United hit a plain blank road in terms of transfers. Woodward’s failure to bring in players and clubs entering into the final few days of the transfer window, the United hierarchy made some emergency signings.

They were: Edinson Cavani (For Free from PSG), Alex Telles (ยฃ13.5m from Porto), and Amad Diallo (ยฃ19m from Atlanta). Facundo Pellistri too joined Manchester United for ยฃ10m. One of these players later proved to be the season-saving player for Manchester United. He was the man who ultimately made the difference. You will find him soon. Scroll down again, folks.

The See-Saw UCL Adventure:ย 

Manchester United saw their best run in the champions league group stages this season but didn’t get the end result as they missed some great chances. Manchester United was placed in a group where they had French Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint-Germain and German giants RB Leipzig to play against.

Manchester United started their UCL campaign with brilliant performances. They were flying as they defeated both PSG and Leipzig within the span of 10 days. Manchester United again produced a 2-1 victory over PSG as mesmerizing Bruno Fernandes and our young attacker Marcus Rashford outclassed Mbappe and Neymar.

Manchester United then went head to head against RB Leipzig on the 29th of October as they were highly confident of making it. Man United just blew Leipzig apart as they scored five goals against them, four of them coming after the 75th minute. Rashford scored a hattrick in just 18 minutes after coming on as a substitute in the 74th minute as Manchester United was aiming to top the group.

But then a disappointing and insulting defeat against Istanbul Basaksehir and further defeat in the second leg against PSG and Leipzig decided their fate. Manchester United didn’t make it through as they ended being third in the group. It was a disappointing end to our 2020-21 UCL campaign.

The El Matador Show:

Manchester United just saw their UCL fates decided as they were out of the competition. But the players gave some nail-biting match for their fans just in the same week in which they were eliminated from UCL. This one was a Premier League match against our favorite opponents this season and that is Southampton.

The Saints scored two goals before Half-time as Jan Bednarek scored from the header and then James Ward-Prowse scored a delightful free-kick past De Gea. Southampton just made everyone believe at halftime that they are gonna emerge winners but that didn’t happen. Solksjaer introduced Edinson Cavani at halftime by replacing Mason Greenwood. And then the comeback began.

Bruno Fernandes scored the first goal at the 60th-minute mark as United looked for the leveler. Cavani then scored the second goal in the 74th minute after a Fernandes shot was deflected to his path.

Cavani then turned to be the true hero for Manchester United as he scored a fine header through a Rashford cross in the 92nd minute. It was a class poacher goal from a lethal striker like Edinson Cavani.

The Show must begin.

Stabbing Southampton Nine Times:

Yes that title sounds a bit funny, but the match so also not less than a joke. Southampton at it again and we think they are helping United build great memories this season. Manchester United completely thrashed Southampton by a 9-0 scoreline.

This was a record-equalling achievement for the Reds as 7 different United players were present on the scoresheet.

Wan-Bissaka, Rashford, Cavani, A brace from Martial, McTominay, Fernandes, James all scored goals for United. Just an own goal from Bednarek was from the Southampton side.

United ended with 24 shots and more than 600 passes as they literally ripped Southampton apart. Some record for Solksjaer and his team. Embarrassing for Saints, isn’t it?

The Sweet Revenge:

Manchester City is always considered as the most fearsome rivals of Manchester United. They were responsible for knocking United out of the EFL semi-finals as they defeated the Red Devils by a 0-2 scoreline as John Stones and Fernandinho secured the win for Manchester City.

The match was played on January 7th, 2021 and it was a not-so-welcoming New Year for Manchester United. Losing onto the semi-finals stage was a heartbreaking one and that too by the hands of Manchester City makes it more disappointing.

But Manchester United gave a good reason for their fans to cheer for them as they got their revenge against their rivals. Manchester United defeated Manchester City by a 2-0 scoreline on the 7th of March 2021. An early Bruno Fernandes penalty and Luke Shaw’s goal in the second half completed the sweet little revenge for the Red Devils.

This victory also ended Manchester City’s 21 games unbeaten run and they couldn’t create history. It’s always said, ‘You get what you deserve.’

The Great Europa League Journey:

One of the most exciting journeys you will ever see as a United fan this season. It has to be the Uefa Europa League. Manchester United has entered the finals of this competition and the whole credit goes to Solksjaer and his brilliant team.

Manchester United came up against Real Sociedad in the Round of 32 and truly smashed the Spanish Side in the first leg itself. United defeated Sociedad by a 4-0 scoreline in the first leg and a 0-0 draw in the second leg made sure that United prevail in the round of 16 of the Europa League.

Manchester United were then up against the famous Italian outfit AC Milan. AC Milan were in good form coming into this tie as they were placed second in Serie A at that time. Many fancied the chances of Ibrahimovic playing against his former side. But it didn’t happen as the star striker was injured.

Manchester United put a dull performance in the first leg against AC Milan as they were held for a 1-1 draw. Simon Kjaer scored a late goal in the 92nd minute. The second leg was tight but United put on a spirited performance as they overcame Milan by a 0-1 scoreline. Paul Pogba scored the lone goal as he played brilliantly in that match.

Manchester United entered the quarter-finals of the prestigious League. They were then made to play against Granada who themselves were new to the competition. United easily cruised past them as they scored two goals in both legs to win by a 4-0 aggregate.

Manchester United then faced their toughest opponents in the competition and that AS Roma. AS Roma themselves were running in fine form as they defeated Ajax in the Quarter-finals. But United made a real mockery of the Italian team. United literally scored six goals in the first leg as the match ended with a 6-2 win.

Cavani was the star man as he scored a brace. Manchester United were defeated in the second leg by Roma by a 2-3 scoreline but that was not enough for Roma to prevail. Edinson Cavani was the star of the show as he scored a brace again.

Manchester United successfully entered the finals of the Europa League Competition. But Villarreal had other plans as they defeated Manchester United to lift the trophy. The game was taken to the penalties and that is the point were United failed to outsmart Villarreal. United return empty-handed once again.

The Man Who Made The Difference:

And it’s time to reveal the name. It’s none other than Edinson Cavani.

The deadline day signing proved to be a masterclass move by Manchester United. Cavani scored 16 goals and provided 6 assists this season in all competitions and it’s not over yet. He has been absolutely phenomenal and has been a true leader for the young strikers of this team.

Whether it’s about protecting the youngsters or playing incredible cameos, he has done it all. His performances in the Europa League have been spectacular. He has 10 goals in the Premier League, 6 goals in the Europa League, and one goal in the EFL Cup in less than a year.

Martial’s injury had put a lot of pressure on the United attacker’s to perform and Cavani made sure that he stepped up for his duty. The El Matador has been brilliant and therefore, United has signed another new contract with him which will tie him with the club for one more year.

We are surely lucky to have a player like him.

The Super League Curse:

And when everything was going so smoothly in Football. A Big Curse just fell onto the beautiful game.

On the 18th of April 2021, 12 major clubs (six in England, three in Spain, and three in Italy) introduced a new league and it was called the Super League. Manchester United was among those founding clubs as the news created a mockery everywhere. It was a dark day in the history of football.

Glazers and Ed Woodward confirmed United’s participation in the League and Real Madrid’s Perez was the Chairman of this League. The League also included five other clubs that will be promoted based on their performance in their domestic league. It was made by keeping in mind the financial losses that the major clubs have suffered due to the Covid Pandemic.

Uefa strongly rejected this proposal and was totally against it. Several big politicians and pundits gave their verdicts about the League as they all labeled it as simply disgusting and lustful. Glazers was the vice-chairman of this league and United’s inclusion in the league created a widespread spark.

Uefa were very heavy with the sanctions and warned that the players will not be allowed to take part in international tournaments and the clubs will face heavy fines.

The players confronted the authority as well. Fans started anti-Glazers comments. The League was a disaster to the game and after heavy protest and warnings from Uefa, it was announced by the Super League that they have stopped their project on the 22nd of April.

The end of this project was a big victory for Manchester United, its fans, the players, and the whole football fraternity.

Ed Woodward Finally Resigns:

The big man finally resigns. The biggest relief after the Super League suspension was the resignation of Manchester United’s Chief Executive Officer, Ed Woodward.

Woodward was the reason behind United’s several failed transfers. He was always criticized for his lack of football knowledge as he was much interested in the financial part of the game.

Woodward was the mastermind behind United’s participation in the Super League. Manchester United were heavily criticized and fans and pundits wanted Woodward to resign immediately. Woodward’s house was attacked by invaders in the same week. All this protest and criticism brought a lot of pressure at the top of the hierarchy at Manchester United.

Finally, on 20th April, Ed Woodward announced that he will resign from his role at the end of the year. This was a major victory for every United fan.

The Fans Raise Their Voice:

You should never make the fans angry and this was the mistake that the Glazers and Woodward did.

Manchester United fans started protesting heavily after the club’s inclusion in the Super League. The first big protest occurred on the 2nd of May just before the Liverpool game. Tons of people joined in huge groups as they chanted anti-Glazer chants outside the Old Trafford stadium.

Banners, cards, fans shouting, fights with mobs, pitch invasion, and so on. United fans literally did everything to make their pleas heard.

They wanted Glazers out, they wanted a new owner. more than 200 fans entered the Old Trafford stadium and thousands of them were gathered outside. Fans even gathered outside Hyatt Hotel where United’s players were present. Because of such heavy protest, Manchester United’s game against Liverpool was postponed.

The owners had no reply to this. The fans didn’t stop there, another protest was then planned. On 14th May, the match was rescheduled against Liverpool and United fans were present outside Old Trafford again. They tried to gather on the road and block the Liverpool team bus from reaching Old Trafford. But the security was tight and the match was played without any disruption.

A great response from the United fans.

The Player Of The Year Award:

And the Sir Matt Busby player of the year award goes to none other than, Bruno Fernandes. The player who has been the heart of our team. The player who has literally contributed with an assist or a goal in every game. Bruno Fernandes has scored 18 goals and provided 12 assists for Manchester United this season.

Bruno has scored nine goals from penalties this campaign and he has been successful whenever he steps to take a penalty. He has been a regular free-kick taker for Manchester United.

He has won the award for his second successive season as he joins the elite group of only four other players who have won the consecutive Player of the Year award for Manchester United. He has the most goal contributions from midfield in Europe, and that is 45 goal contributions.

Bruno Fernandes also received the award for the goal of the season for his wonderful goal against Everton. He is certainly on another level right now. Manchester United will need more of these performances from him next season.

The Invincible Team:ย 

Manchester United has now gone through the entire 2020-21 Premier League season without losing an away game. This is a wonderful achievement for Solkjsaer and his team and shows the amount of determination the team has put on the away pitch.

They are only the fourth team in the history of the Premier League to achieve this feat. Only Preston North End and Arsenal have been available to make this possible.

United’s win against Wolves secures this record for Manchester United. We hope they continue on this form next season and bring some records to home games as well.

The wait for a trophy continues :


Manchester United and Solksjaer were going through a semi-final curse last season and many thought that they will break this one. Solksjaer wanted to gift United the first trophy after four years. But the wait continues as we go went through another trophyless season.

United’s Europa League journey was beautiful and they just had to win the final match against Villarreal. Many predicted this to be an easy win for United as the Spanish side finished seventh in the La Liga table. United was deemed as a superior side.

Villarreal gave the first blow when Gerard Moreno scored the first goal for Villarreal after outmuscling Lindelof from a set piece. United had no answer for it till halftime.

The second half brought some glory As Edinson Cavani equalized for United after scoring from close range. With scores leveled and the clock ticking, neither of the teams bothered to score the winner even in the extra time.

The fate of the game was ultimately decided via penalties. Both the teams were spot on with their spot-kick and the score was 11-11. The final kick was left upon the goalkeepers. Rulli scored for Villarreal but De Gea couldn’t. His shot was saved by the Villarreal goalkeeper.

And the match ended 12-11 on penalties as Villarreal lifted their first Europa League trophy. A rather big disappointment for Manchester United. Another season waits for the club and they have to give it a shot next season.

The wait for a trophy continues.

Our View On This 2020-21 Season:

It has been a mixed season for the club and the fans. United has finished second in the Premier League and will still aim for the title next season. The loss suffered against Villarreal turned this season into a not-so-successful one as they end the season without any trophies to their name.

Solksjaer as a manager has done well for the club. He has played a huge role in the team’s success and deserves all the credit for his patience and perseverance. The players have been great on and off the pitch. Their performances have improved this season and they have been a joy to watch.

We hope that they will return more confident and win a trophy. We all love Manchester United.

Our Ratings for this Season: 6/10

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