Death, taxes and Luke Shaw getting injured – the three unavoidable things in this world. The Manchester United left-back has sustained a calf issue in training and will miss the start of the English Premier League season. United play the season opener against Fulham on Friday.
The 29-year-old hasn’t played for the club since February and his only start in the last six months came in the Euro 2024 final. Over the past 10 years, Shaw has missed 264 games for his club and the country. When fit, he is one of the best left-backs in Europe, but somehow it feels like he is nearing the end of his top-flight career.
In Harry Amass, United have a teenager who is supremely talented. He should be Shaw’s natural replacement. But Amass is not Dutch. Nor does he come from the Dutch league. Does he have a chance under Erik ten Hag? Over five transfer windows, the United manager has signed 11 players with an Eredivisie connection, spending around £250 million just on the Ajax old boys.
United’s new football hierarchy put the finger in the dike by retaining Ten Hag as the first-team manager. The club’s FA Cup win played a part in the decision-making. But more than that, it was about the lack of a proper alternative. Ten Hag’s position became almost untenable after an eighth-place finish with a negative goal difference – the injury excuse was ridiculous – last term. And yet, he has been given a contract extension. Then again, Ruud van Nistelrooy, who did a commendable job as PSV Eindhoven manager, has been brought in. The United legend snubbed Burnley and chose to be Ten Hag’s assistant. Can something be read between the lines here? If the current manager is sacked mid-season, the club will have someone to assume the role of an interim boss.
By the way, Gareth Southgate, whose England commitment probably worked to Ten Hag’s advantage, is free now. In his interviews and press conferences, the Dutchman tries to be very clever. United have backed him with signings this season. Even after this, if the 54-year-old fails to make United title contenders, he runs the risk of ending up being too clever by half.
Manchester City will once again be one of the title favourites, against the backdrop of 115 charges of breaking financial fair play regulations. Finally, the hearing over the alleged breaches is set to start next month. On the pitch also, the defending champions no longer look intimidating. Pep Guardiola has entered the final 12 months of his contract. Their best player, Kevin De Bruyne, is 33 and nearing the autumn of his career. Kyle Walker is 34. Question marks remain over Ederson and Bernardo Silva’s futures at the club. City are probably coming towards the end of a cycle. Off the pitch, they face serious punishments – even expulsion from the Premier League – if they are found guilty.
This could just make 2024-25 Arsenal’s season. The Gunners missed the title by two points last term. They have addressed the left-back issue by signing Riccardo Calafiori. Manager Mikel Arteta is far more experienced now and in complete control. But Arsenal need a top striker, an upgrade on Kai Havertz. The latter scored just 13 goals from 37 appearances last season. Arteta needs a 25-goal centre-forward. There’s still plenty of time to get one. Else, it could yet again be a case of so near and yet so far.
Arsenal’s last Premier League title came in 2003-04. Time to heal two decades of hurt.
Arne Slot’s every move at Liverpool would be judged against his predecessor Jurgen Klopp. This is a period of transition at Anfield and the new manager will have to ensure that it is seamless. The Reds are not yet very active in the transfer market, but they have a settled squad. All said and done, when a titan like Klopp departs, its ripple effect can cause disturbances. Slot should do enough not to walk alone by the end of the season.
Aston Villa punched above their weight and finished fourth last term to secure a place in the Champions League. Unai Emery did a fabulous job at the club. But Villa need more squad depth to manage two elite competitions this term.
Dominic Solanke’s arrival has made Tottenham Hotspur’s attack a lot more potent. Chelsea under their co-owner Todd Boehly, meanwhile, continue to act like a kid in a candy shop in terms of player signings (the squad has 42 players). Given Boehly’s track record of firing managers, Enzo Maresca will always be on a slippery slope. But watch out for Ipswich Town under Kieran McKenna. They could be the surprise of the season.
And spare a thought for West Ham. They have made some excellent signings under their new head coach Julen Lopetegui. The likes of Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Max Kilman, Jean-Clair Todibo, Crysencio Summerville and Niclas Fullkrug will make the side better, and probably easier on the eye than they were under David Moyes.
For the record, the semi-automated offside technology is making its Premier League debut this term, but not until the autumn international break. This could create inconsistency. For example, a goal which might stand early in the season, could be ruled out by the new technology.
However, to paraphrase CLR James, what do they know of football/Premier League who don’t controversy know? Roll on the new season.
Premier League 2024-25 predictions
Top six: Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City, Tottenham Hotspur, Aston Villa, Manchester United.
Top scorer: Erling Haaland.
First manager to be sacked: Erik ten Hag (Newcastle United could lose Eddie Howe to England).
Surprise of the season: Ipswich Town
Teams likely to be relegated: Nottingham Forest, Southampton, Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Quotable quote: “I worry to death about him,” Paul Scholes on United goalkeeper Andre Onana on The Overlap.
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