United's underrated moments of 2022/23

The Reds played a mammoth 62 times across four different competitions, reaching two domestic finals and secured a top-four finish in the Premier League along the way.

Plenty of grit, determination and lots of character were all on show across the campaign, but there are perhaps some moments which didn't get the attention they deserved.

Our writers have compiled their favourite 'underrated' moment from our 2022/23 season..

Wout Weghorst's goal v Real Betis
Sam Carney

Manchester United netted 108 goals across the season, but none can have meant as much to the scorer as Weghorst’s late effort against Real Betis, which ticked the score over to 4-1. The on-loan Dutch forward had spoken at length of his desire to celebrate in front of the Stretford End and, as this Europa League last-16 first leg moved towards its conclusion, he finally had the opportunity. Little about the move – and indeed the match – itself will linger long in the memory, but the look of delight on Weghorst’s face at realising a dream was something for all to enjoy.

Nottingham Forest 0 Manchester United 3
Adam Marshall

Of all the games I could pick, this may seem a strange one but I was hugely impressed by the confidence and ability United showed from the outset in the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg at Nottingham Forest.

This was a tricky tie against the Tricky Trees, a point proven by their overall home record in 2022/23, but the challenge was met head on from the first whistle, quietening the crowd and dampening their enthusiasm as they anticipated a big chance to reach Wembley.

To put it succinctly, this opening spell was the way I want United to approach our away games. It is one area where we really need to improve next term, as the boss has acknowledged, but this start at The City Ground was evidence that the team has it in them to grab any game by the scruff of the neck and impose ourselves from the first seconds onwards.

Manchester United 2 Everton 0
Joe Nelson

While a triumph over relegation-strugglers Everton - when we were chasing the top four - may appear to be a match that Erik ten Hag's side should have felt confident before anyway, the manner of the victory was what impressed me the most.

United peppered the Blues' goal from start to finish, racking up a whopping 21 shots in the first half alone - a record for the Reds in the first 45 minutes of a Premier League match since Opta started collecting the data.

Scott McTominay finally broke the deadlock on 36 minutes, with Anthony Martial adding a second after the interval. United gained another important three points, and controlled the match in all areas of the pitch.

Jadon Sancho's return to first-team action
Matthew Holt

Having spent three long months away from the pitch, Sancho's return at Old Trafford against Nottingham Forest back in February is something which particularly stands to me.

Jadon's introduction on 63 minutes brought a standing ovation for all four sections of the Theatre of Dreams, with the 23-year-old beaming from ear-to-ear on the sidelines with Ten Hag delivering some vital instructions.

The former Dortmund man could have made it a perfect return if not for some smart Forest defending, as he typically weaved his way in and out of challenges that attempted to thwart him.

The Reds progression to the Carabao Cup final was soon secured upon the full-time whistle, as Jadon walked the whole length of the pitch to applaud every single supporter that had welcomed him back with open arms.