The 2016/2017 season was a period of significant transition for Manchester United. Under new management, the club brought in a number of high-profile players and fought hard on multiple fronts. While they ultimately fell short of winning the Premier League title, the “Manchester United players 2017” squad secured three trophies, marking the start of a new era at Old Trafford.
The Arrival of Mourinho and a New Era
The 2016/2017 season saw Jose Mourinho take the helm at Manchester United, bringing with him a wave of expectation and a reputation for tactical nous and winning trophies. His arrival signaled a shift from the possession-based style favored under Louis van Gaal to a more pragmatic approach focused on defensive solidity and quick transitions.
Key Signings and Their Impact
One of Mourinho’s first moves was to bring in Zlatan Ibrahimovic on a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain. The Swedish striker brought immediate goalscoring prowess, netting 28 goals in all competitions. Joining Ibrahimovic was Paul Pogba, who returned to Old Trafford for a then-world-record fee from Juventus. Pogba’s arrival brought a blend of physicality, technical ability, and creativity to United’s midfield.
Another notable arrival was Henrikh Mkhitaryan from Borussia Dortmund. While he initially struggled to adapt to the Premier League, Mkhitaryan showcased his undeniable quality as the season progressed.
A Difficult Start and a Finding Their Form
Manchester United’s 2016/2017 campaign got off to a winning start, with victories over Leicester City in the Community Shield and Bournemouth in their opening Premier League fixture. However, inconsistency plagued their early season form, and they suffered defeats to rivals Manchester City and Watford.
Triumph in the EFL Cup
As the season progressed, Manchester United found their rhythm, particularly in cup competitions. They secured their first trophy under Mourinho’s leadership with a 3-2 victory over Southampton in the EFL Cup final. Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored twice, including the winning goal, cementing his status as a key player in the squad.
Europa League Glory and a Champions League Return
The Europa League became a major focus for Manchester United after a disappointing league campaign. They navigated their way through the knockout stages, culminating in a 2-0 victory over Ajax in the final. Goals from Paul Pogba and Henrikh Mkhitaryan secured the trophy and a return to the Champions League for the following season.
Reflecting on the Season and Looking Ahead
The 2016/2017 season may not have yielded the Premier League title that Manchester United fans craved, but it was a season of progress nonetheless. The arrival of Jose Mourinho and a host of new signings brought renewed optimism to Old Trafford. The team showed resilience and character to secure three trophies, laying the foundation for future success. The “Manchester United players 2017” demonstrated their quality and potential, offering a glimpse of what the future might hold for the Red Devils.
FAQ
Q: Who was Manchester United’s manager in 2017?
A: Jose Mourinho was the manager of Manchester United during the 2016/2017 season.
Q: What trophies did Manchester United win in 2017?
A: Manchester United won three trophies in 2017: the Community Shield, the EFL Cup, and the Europa League.
Q: Who were some of the key players for Manchester United in 2017?
A: Key players for Manchester United in 2017 included Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Paul Pogba, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, David de Gea, and Ander Herrera.
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