What should United aim for in 2023/24?

Prior to our game against Leeds in Oslo on 12 July, the panel on the latest episode of The Debate discussed what our aims are, looking ahead to next term. 

Having won the Carabao Cup last season and made the FA Cup final, as well achieving a top-four finish to ensure a return to the Champions League, there is plenty to look forward to.

Laurie Whitwell, of The Athletic, is expecting to see ‘progress’ from the Reds next term.

“I think progression [is the aim of United] because it was a very good season [2022/23] and they added a number of points to the total from the previous season,” he said.

“It took until the last game of the season to qualify for the Champions League; you’d ideally want that to be secured earlier and it probably will be tougher. 

“It was great to get another trophy - the first in six years - and for Erik ten Hag, to have that kind of stamp of quality again, a guarantee that if you trust in my methods, we can win silverware.” 

Fellow journalist Ian Irving, meanwhile, is expecting the Reds to take the next step in the Premier League and be in the mix for the title. 

“I would expect United to push towards being in a title race, maybe not all the way through the season, but at least being in contention. 

“[Getting to] the last stage of the Champions League is important as well to show the level that United’s at; I think that’s the point they really do need to get back to and that’s what I would expect this season.” 

Former United defender Wes Brown thinks the Reds just need that ‘little bit extra’ to kick on next term. 

“It’s about quality,” he began. “Are we dominating more games? Can we control it? Are these teams fearing us a little bit more? That’s the little bit of extra bits we need to push on.”

That sentiment was echoed by fellow ex-Red, Danny Webber, who added: “For me, it’s having that ruthlessness; making sure that we’re improving in every way. Those one-nils need to turn into three-nils to give you that comfort. 

“Avoid big defeats, score more goals, and you’ll see a drastic change in [the] points total.”