Year to Forget: How United's 2024 Unravelled by the Month

May's FA Cup triumph did not save Erik ten Hag and by the end of December, as John Brewin writes, his successor was talking about relegation

- John Brewin

January
8 Jan, Wigan (a), FA Cup, 2-0 win; 14 Jan, Tottenham (h) 2-2 draw; 28 Jan, Newport County (a), FA Cup, 4-2 win

A slow start to the new year, though the bright and shiny new ownership regime of Sir Jim Ratcliffe is quick to make waves, the man himself gatecrashing the press room before the Tottenham game to say: "I have done a few exciting things, but this caps it all."

Ratcliffe the thrill-seeker may have felt a few jolts as League Two Newport County mount a near-comeback in the FA Cup, only for United to escape south Wales after late goals. Jadon Sancho, a £73m transfer bust, heads back to Borussia Dortmund on loan, while Marcus Rashford is disciplined for missing training after nightclubbing in Belfast.

"Marcus has taken responsibility for his actions," says a club statement. With key Ratcliffe adviser Sir Dave Brailsford mounting "a review of transfer strategy", no new players come in.

February
1 Feb, Wolves (a), 4-3 win; 4 Feb, West Ham (h), 3-0 win; 11 Feb, Aston Villa (a), 2-1 win; 18 Feb, Luton (a) 2-1 win; 24 Feb, Fulham (h), 2-1 defeat; 28 Feb, Nottingham Forest (a), FA Cup, 1-0 win

In a dramatic win at Wolves, Kobbie Mainoo, a young midfielder back from injury, grabs the headlines. Lisandro Martínez's knee injury against West Ham stretches resources and Erik ten Hag is forced to deny that keeping his former Ajax lieutenant on the field aggravated the problem. Meanwhile, as Ratcliffe's deal is ratified on 20 February, moves to entice Dan Ashworth's sporting director mastery from Newcastle are made, and Jason Wilcox, a former Manchester City employee, is to join as technical director from Southampton.

"We are back in the race, but not in the position we want to be at this club," says Ten Hag after five wins in seven. United duly lose at home to Fulham the next week.