The 2024/25 Premier League season was one to forget for both Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur. United endured their worst-ever league finish, slumping to 15th place, managing just 9 wins. Their campaign was a catalogue of misfires, humiliating losses, a lack of goals, and tactical confusion. In one standout statistic, United only managed to score just over 40 goals- champions and bitter rivals Liverpool netted nearly twice as many as the Red Devils!.
Spurs’ season was equally conflicted. Domestically, they underachieved, finished 17th in the table (just one spot above the drop zone), accumulating just 38 points, their lowest ever tally in the Premier League era. They also set an unenviable record: 22 league defeats, the most ever recorded by a side that avoided relegation. Yet, on the European stage, Spurs delivered a contrasting narrative, securing the Europa League title, a first major trophy in 17 years, with a dramatic victory over United in the final that guaranteed them CL football for 25/26.
United: A Humiliation to Shake the System
United’s 2025/26 season began amid plenty of turmoil and a fervent desire to rebound. Fortunately, they enter this campaign free of European commitments, allowing for full focus domestically. Yet, the early signs have been alarming- United were knocked out of the Carabao Cup by League Two outfit Grimsby Town. They were 2-0 down, fought back to 2-2, but lost on penalties.
Their Premier League form hasn’t been encouraging either. A 1-0 loss to Arsenal was followed by a 1-1 draw at Fulham, before a dramatic 3-2 win over Burnley, sealed by an injury-time Bruno Fernandes penalty, offering a glimmer of hope.
Tactically, the team continues to adjust to manager Ruben Amorim’s demands, and the Portuguese gaffer is regularly criticised for his lack of flexibility. The positive is that with the lack of European distractions and summer of rebuilding, including the recruitment of the likes of Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, and Benjamin Sesko, United have a chance to reset and a schedule that will allow for work on the training ground.
Tottenham: A Fresh Vision
Spurs entered the 2025/26 season with renewed optimism. After parting ways with Ange Postecoglou despite European success, they appointed Thomas Frank, and early signs are promising. Spurs are placed well in the Premier League table, they will compete on all fronts, and impressed in defeat in the UEFA Super Cup against a strong PSG side.
However, the honeymoon period showed cracks with a 1-0 home defeat to Bournemouth following Spurs’ superb showing in victory at Manchester City. While the result brought some criticism, Frank defended his team’s performance and insisted that high standards have already been set. He has also some made quality additions to the side, with the likes of Mo Kudus, Randal Kolo Muani, Xavi Simons and Joao Palhinha all arriving in the summer.
This mixed start of sorts hints at promise, but also indicates there will be disappointing moments. With a full pre-season in the bag, Spurs look primed for a markedly improved campaign, which is supported by the latest BetVictor odds. However, they must continue to learn from their mistakes.
Final Thoughts
For both United and Spurs, the wounds of the 2024/25 remain fresh. United’s fall into the lower half of the table, followed by this season’s shock early cup exit, highlights systemic dysfunction. Spurs’ stark league collapse, amid European success, reflects the precarious on one front & triumphant on another.
As the 25/26 campaign progresses, both clubs will be keen to put 2024/25 behind them. United should logically be able to leverage a lighter fixture schedule, and Spurs will look to Thomas Frank to guide them into a new era.