Manchester United will need to carefully manage their squad and resources during the 2024/25 season as they navigate the challenges of competing in both the Premier League and the Europa League. The condensed schedule, featuring midweek Europa League matches followed by weekend domestic games, presents a familiar logistical and physical test for Erik ten Hag and his team.
Key Challenges: Tight Turnarounds and Travel
The combination of Thursday night Europa League fixtures and Sunday Premier League matches has historically caused difficulties for teams, and United is no exception. The added strain of travel, particularly for away games, increases the risk of fatigue and injuries.
For the 2024/25 season, Manchester United’s Europa League group stage includes eight matches, with the group stage extending from September to late January. This new format means the team will need to stay sharp over a longer duration, ensuring peak performance across competitions.
Europa League Fixture Details
Here’s a look at Manchester United’s Europa League group stage schedule:
- 25 September 2024: FC Twente (H), 8 pm
- 3 October 2024: Porto (A), 8 pm
- 24 October 2024: Fenerbahçe (A), 8 pm
- 7 November 2024: PAOK (H), 8 pm
- 28 November 2024: Bodø/Glimt (H), 8 pm
- 12 December 2024: Viktoria Plzeň (A), 5:45 pm
- 23 January 2025: Rangers (H), 8 pm
- 30 January 2025: Steaua Bucharest (A), 8 pm
Premier League Fixtures After Europa League Games
While specific Premier League fixtures after these dates haven’t been detailed, history suggests that matches against mid- or lower-table teams can become potential stumbling blocks due to squad fatigue. Similarly, games against top-six rivals following Europa League outings can expose United to the risk of dropped points if squad rotation isn’t handled effectively.
Managing Squad Depth and Rotations
Erik ten Hag will need to strike a balance between fielding strong squads for both competitions while ensuring key players are rested:
- Squad Depth: Players such as Marcus Rashford, Bruno Fernandes, and Casemiro will need adequate rotation to stay fresh for critical matches.
- Youth Integration: The Europa League could be an opportunity for emerging talents like Amad Diallo (once fit) or other academy prospects to gain valuable experience while providing rest for senior players.
- Injury Prevention: After an injury-plagued 2023/24 season, maintaining the squad’s fitness will be paramount. This includes leveraging medical and performance teams to monitor player workloads.
Strategic Focus
United’s Europa League opponents range from challenging sides like Porto and Fenerbahçe to relatively lesser threats such as Bodø/Glimt and Viktoria Plzeň. This mix provides an opportunity to prioritize resources for tougher fixtures while managing rotation against weaker teams.
The extended group stage schedule also means less congestion before Christmas, offering a chance to stabilize performances across competitions. However, the late January matches against Rangers and Steaua Bucharest could coincide with critical stages of the domestic campaign, requiring careful planning.
Manchester United must avoid the familiar pitfalls of post-Europa League fatigue, which have derailed previous campaigns. By managing squad depth, integrating youth players, and rotating strategically, Erik ten Hag’s side can aim for success in both the Premier League and Europa League, laying the groundwork for a strong finish to the season.