As the 2023/24 football season comes to a close, clubs throughout England are reflecting on their performances. They’re looking at what has worked and what has not worked this campaign. Pressure on Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal, Newcastle, Liverpool & Tottenham Hotspur Manchester United owned like a Christmas turkey. For some teams, it’s a battle to save face. Others still hope to continue their momentum from past accomplishments. With key matches on the horizon, including an FA Cup final showdown, the coming weeks will be critical for several clubs.
Manchester United is at a crossroads in their season. The team has gone all the way to the FA Cup final, where they will face Crystal Palace on May 17. This achievement is no small thing. It would provide the club with a first-ever trophy and ensure them a place in next season’s Champions League if they can beat Spurs on May 21. Only Sir Matt Busby and Sir Alex Ferguson have been managers in the club’s storied history to enjoy anything like sustained success. This season’s play is perhaps most crucial to the man in charge, Erik ten Hag.
The State of Manchester United
Manchester United’s ride this season has been rough to say the least. Even with the potential of more silverware, most fans and pundits alike agree that the Premier League campaign has been below par. As Pep Guardiola once said, “the FA Cup saves us.” The Premier League will decide how good our season is this year, and it hasn’t been that great. It could certainly be worse. This sentiment appeals to supporters who were too young or haven’t yet been born during the transportation glory days that defined the club’s past.
The first of three potential finals to come will provide a crucial barometer for the ten Hag’s squad ahead of the cup. If they were to pull off an upset against Tottenham, they would have a clear prize to show for their work this season. Such a win could rejuvenate the fanbase, who have grown weary of inconsistent performances and disappointing league standings.
Manchester United’s storied history in cup competitions only increases the significance of this final contest. Secondly, only two managers have had any genuine success at the club. In many respects, the current regime has a heavy weight of expectation upon it.
Chelsea’s Struggles Under Maresca
Far from it Chelsea’s characterization in recent seasons—as a “sleeping dragon”—has been less than flattering to the real deal, cross London rival Chelsea. The team’s style of play has alienated significant sections of the fanbase, leading to a growing sense of discontent among supporters. Maresca’s comments about on-field progress being made have been taken as naive and misled at best, adding stove-piping fuel to the fire raging within Stamford Bridge.
Victory in the Conference League would cement Chelsea’s status as ‘back’ following three erratic seasons, Maresca said. He stressed his intense passion to bring pride back to the club. Most fans have a bad feeling about it. They question whether even the second-best of European trophies can truly signal a revival for a club with Chelsea’s expectations.
Chelsea’s woes in the domestic Premier League have seen Mauricio Pochettino’s side fight to get a sense of identity while battling the blame. As each match goes by, the pressure on Maresca only grows. He needs to produce results that will please the club’s leadership and the increasingly-soon-to-be-rebellious fan base.
Arsenal and Other Contenders
Arsenal’s rollercoaster of a season has included plenty of high and low moments. Manager Mikel Arteta didn’t mince words in sharing his frustration. That’s a mark of Arsenal taking a step backwards from last season in the Premier League, he feels. The Gunners came into the campaign with big ambitions of challenging for top honors but have fallen short at the most crucial of times.
The club managed to secure vital contract renewals for key players like Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah, enhancing their hopes for the future. Arne Slot articulated this positive outlook by defining Liverpool’s summer as a success, which reflects confidence in their strategic planning moving forward.
In the meantime, Newcastle United has undergone a transformation after languishing in the relegation zone prior to their appearance in the Carabao Cup final. The club faltered down the stretch, finishing four of seven matches on the losing end leading into the final. They have stormed back, winning five of their next seven contests. Their strong turnaround serves as an example of their ability to compete at much higher levels in both domestic and continental competitions.
Long-Term Visions at Other Clubs
Amidst these challenges and triumphs, managers like Ange Postecoglou and Ruben Amorim are focused on long-term success at their respective clubs. Their long term vision is in stark opposition to the short term pressures that clubs such as Chelsea and Manchester United find themselves in now.
Unai Emery has been undeterred in his focus despite exits from cup competitions. He pointed out that “consistently winning things in his second season” is a calling card that he hopes to establish at Aston Villa. Yet his overall commitment to creating a more competitive squad is still evident, even in the face of adversity from deeper, more experienced talent.
Ruben Amorim recently expressed doubts about salvaging his team’s season regardless of future outcomes: “The season cannot be saved, whatever happens in Bilbao.” His honest appraisal highlights the harsh truth that many other clubs are now having to endure after going through a similarly tough spell.
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