'Erik can take us forward even more'

Having claimed Carabao Cup success against Newcastle United and qualified for the UEFA Champions League via our top-four finish in the Premier League, many believe bigger and better things are still to come for this current United squad.

Those very same opinions were echoed post-match by MUTV duo Wes Brown and Fraizer Campbell at Wembley, with the latter reflecting on the wind-down period that awaits our players now that the 2022/23 campaign has ended.

"The first thing you have to do is rest, take all the stress away from the hectic season," began the former United forward. "Go away with your family, your friends and completely switch off from football for a week or two.

"But then, you have got to a final here, you have won the Carabao Cup, finished third in the Premier League, got Champions League next season. I don't think the players need motivating to want to do well in those competitions next season.

"The manager will be working hard to bring extra players in and help improve this squad. You have to take it all on the chin, rub yourself down and go again next season."

Despite losing to City in the capital, United did create some golden opportunities to get level late on, with Alejandro Garnacho and Scott McTominay both going close.

Looking back at the season, Brown picked out his star performers from our 2022/23 campaign.

"There's been a few," he said. "First of all, the manager. We all know he's been excellent and especially with the players he's got as well.

"He's got the best out of them, securing the Champions League for next season alongside two cup finals. My star players are Rashy, Luke [Shaw] and Casemiro, for me.

"At times they have been outstanding and put in some really good performances. This summer in the transfer window and the system, I think [Erik will] be excellent in getting who we wants and who he tries to fill in to make that squad better.

"It's been a good season, there has been progress and listen, if we would have won [the FA Cup final] you could have said it was unbelievable season. Ultimately we have progressed and we are getting better. A few new additions and the manager will take us forward even more."