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Former Manchester United coach Mike Phelan has stressed that Ruben Amorim and his squad need to rediscover the high standards expected at the club if they are to bounce back from a dismal 2025/25 campaign.
United endured an extremely difficult season, which saw them finish a lowly 15th place in the Premier League table. It was undoubtedly the worst season in the club’s modern history.
The Red Devils suffered 18 top-flight defeats, nine of which came at home. They amassed just 42 points and ended the season with a -10 goal difference.
Despite a turbulent season, United still had a shot at silverware and a backdoor route into the Champions League, but they fell short, turning in a lifeless display in the Europa League final and falling 1-0 to Tottenham Hotspur.
Following the final game of the season, Amorim addressed the fans, assuring them that the worst is behind and vowing that the mistakes of the past few months won’t be repeated.
Phelan, who served at United under two managers – the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, spoke to Sky Sports and gave his verdict on the club and what needs to happen moving forward.
“What do I think the problems are? We need a long time to answer that question.”
“But I think fundamentally, they need to understand the standard. The standard of what they need to reach, what they need to apply to be successful and coming together.”
“Coming together of not just the players, but the staff and the fans and supporters out there all around the world. So it’s really important to connect all those pieces and it takes time. It does take time but ultimately, you are Manchester United and you have to deliver.”
“You have to win football matches in order to then be successful.”
Phelan added, “The way this season finished has been a disappointment. I think it’s been a disappointment to a lot of people and probably players as well.”
“But now they have to start from where they are, and that is to build again.”
“If they go any lower, then they’re not in the Premier League but if they improve, then they can gain momentum and be better than what they’ve been this season.”
“They have to show some improvement this season.”
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