For much of spring Manchester United clung to the leaders’ coattails, but a run of 1 win from 5 matches in April shattered any lingering title dreams. Defeats at Brighton and Tottenham bookended a disastrous home draw with bottom club Sheffield Wednesday, leaving United stranded 11 points behind Liverpool with 2 fixtures remaining. Erik ten Hag admitted momentum deserted his players once injuries bit into the midfield core. Casemiro’s calf strain on 2 April forced Scott McTominay into an unfamiliar holding role, while Kobbie Mainoo’s ankle knock removed creativity. Opponents capitalised by closing central lanes, and United’s wide attackers saw less of the ball. Striker Rasmus Hojlund endured a four match scoreless run at precisely the wrong moment. The collapse stung harder because expectations had soared after an impressive winter surge. Between December and March United collected 37 points from a possible 42, sparking talk of a first league crown since 2013. Ten Hag credited heavier pressing drills for that streak yet acknowledged fatigue dulled those legs later on. Positives remain. Rashford’s brace against Wolves pushed him to 20 league goals, his best tally since 2021, and Garnacho’s fearless cameos hinted at a bright future. But mental fragility resurfaced. Surrendering a 2 goal lead at Spurs on 13 April encapsulated the slide, prompting pundits to question game management. The manager now aims to salvage second place and focus on cups, but fans ponder what might have been. Title hopes that burned in March flickered out by May, reminding Old Trafford of the ruthless demands of a Premier League marathon.
