MU in 2025: A Year of Tears and the 'Final Boss' with Coach Kim Sang Sik

The year 2025 can be described as a strange one for Manchester United fans, who experienced a wide range of emotions—from joy to sorrow, from disappointment to hope.

1. Ending the season in 15th place, the worst in 33 years of Premier League history

Manchester United finished the 2024/25 season in 15th place, a position no fan would have imagined at the start of the campaign. With 11 wins, 9 draws, and 18 losses, accumulating 42 points, this was a prolonged torment for the supporters. This season also saw Coach Erik ten Hag dismissed and replaced by Ruben Amorim, who was unable to improve United's fortunes for the remainder of the season.

2. Defeat to Tottenham in the 2025 Europa League final

The worst season of the Premier League era for Manchester United ended with a powerless 90 minutes in Spain. The "Red Devils" remained unbeaten until the final but fell short against Tottenham, marking consecutive losses in the last two Europa League finals (2021 and 2025).

3. 'La Remontada' at Old Trafford against Lyon

In the first leg, MU drew 2-2 away in Lyon. Back at the 'Theatre of Dreams' for the second leg, United took an early lead, going 2-0 up by halftime. However, the Reds conceded two goals in the second half to level 2-2. Despite Lyon receiving a red card, they surprisingly turned the game around to lead 4-2 at Old Trafford.

In the stands, a viral image of a crying young fan spread across social media. But that was not the final outcome. In the 114th minute, Casemiro was fouled in the box, and Bruno calmly scored to make it 3-4. Six minutes later, Kobbie Mainoo danced inside the penalty area and curled in the equalizer at 4-4. Just when everyone expected a penalty shootout, Harry Maguire appeared with a header to complete a breathtaking comeback at Old Trafford.

4. Completing the summer 2025 'friendly treble'

A victory over Fiorentina in a penalty shootout at Old Trafford secured Manchester United’s third trophy of summer 2025. This completed their 'friendly treble': the Defining Education Challenge Cup 2025, Premier League Summer Series 2025, and Snapdragon Cup 2025. The match also featured a tribute ceremony for former goalkeeper David De Gea, who left the club in 2024.

5. Renovation of Carrington training center and the 'super stadium' plan

In March, Manchester United unveiled a massive draft planto build a new 'super stadium' with a capacity exceeding 100,000 seats, aiming to become a new icon of English football. Additionally, in August 2025, United inaugurated the renovated Carrington training center with an investment of £50 million, featuring modernized facilities suitable for training.

6. Smart transfers

To prepare for rebuilding in the 2025/26 season, Manchester United’s management planned a 'smart' transfer strategy during the summer window. They targeted standout players with Premier League experience like Cunha and Mbeumo, signed a young striker with long-term potential, Benjamin Sesko, and brought in a goalkeeper to replace Andre Onana. Overall, this was the most promising transfer window for United in the past five years.

7. A fan with distinctive hair

Frank Illet, a unique Manchester United supporter, shared videos on his personal TikTok account. Notably, his hair is very long, and he set himself a tough challenge: not to cut it until United wins five consecutive matches. The challenge began in October 2024, and so far, there is no sign that he has trimmed his hair.

8. 'Losing despite being in control'

In the first Premier League match of the 2025/26 season, Manchester United hosted Arsenal at Old Trafford. The home team suffered a 0-1 defeat, marking their first loss of the season. After the match, many United fans expressed regret, believing the Reds played better and calling the loss a case of 'losing despite having the upper hand'. This phrase quickly went viral on social media and was used in many subsequent matches.

9. Losing to a fourth-tier team in the Carabao Cup

By the end of 2025, Manchester United continued to torment their fans. On a stormy night on England’s east coast, United wrote one of the darkest chapters in club history by losing to Grimsby Town, a League Two side, on penalties in the League Cup. This defeat nearly broke the fans, as the team’s start to the season resembled a 'disaster'.

10. Defeat against Coach Kim Sang-sik and ASEAN All-stars

Under the guidance of Coach Kim Sang-sik, players from 11 Southeast Asian Football Federation (AFF) countries performed well, maintaining a tight formation despite only two days of preparation. The home side allowed Manchester United just two clear chances in the first half, then completely stifled them in the second. In the 71st minute, Myanmar midfielder Maung Maung Lwin scored the opener following a perfect through ball from Australian midfielder Adrian Segecic. This marked the first loss in the friendly series for Ruben Amorim’s squad.

Notably, the moment Ruben Amorim bowed his head to shake hands with Coach Kim Sang Sik after the defeat spread widely on social media. Many believed the Korean coach’s tactical level surpassed even that of Manchester United’s manager.