Story so far… Quite simply it has been an Annus horribilis for Manchester United, as the Red Devils endured their worst-ever Premier League season and the defending champions surrendered their crown with a whimper. David Moyes lasted less than 10 months as Sir Alex Ferguson’s successor as the Scotsman just couldn’t handle the demands of leading an aging United side through transition. Making it to the UCL quarterfinals was a small positive in a season full of negatives. Who will be the next boss at Old Trafford?
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That remains the big question hanging over the club at the end of this campaign, as interim boss Ryan Giggs doesn’t seem to be the preferred candidate and big names likes Carlo Ancelotti and Louis van Gaal continued to be linked with the job. The rebuilding of an empire is underway at Old Trafford. This could take a while, especially after such a demoralizing season.
Who do they play and where can I watch it: United travel to play Southampton down at St. Mary’s Stadium, live on SyFy At 10 a.m. ET and you stream it online via NBC Sports Live Extra. In the past Southampton has been an unhappy hunting ground for the Red Devils after a series of devastating defeats in the 90s. Will they endure a miserable end to a truly shambolic season?
Form guide: United drew 1-1 at home with Southampton earlier this season as Saints bagged a last minute equalizer at Old Trafford. Giggs has won two of his three games in charge thus far and will be hoping his team can finish the season on a high.
March 29 – vs. Aston Villa, W 4-1
April 5 – at Newcastle, W 4-0
April 20 – at Everton, L 2-0
April 26 – vs. Norwich City, W 4-0
May 3 – vs. Sunderland, L 0-1
May 6 – vs. Hull City, W 3-1
What’s at stake: United can finish in sixth if they beat Southampton and no lower than seventh. If Giggs’ side beat Saints then they need Tottenham to lose at home to Aston Villa in order for the Red Devils to finish sixth and qualify for the Europa League.
When the final whistle blows: I think United will be in seventh, their lowest ever PL finish and the first time they’ve ever finished outside the top four. A monumental rebuild is underway at Old Trafford. Will Louis van Gaal, or somebody else, be the chief architect next season? Get ready for a summer of rumored transfers and huge upheaval, United fans.
