Manchester United's 2015–16 season: a tale of cup glory and league heartbreak

History · Published 5 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: While the 2015–16 campaign ended in disappointment for Manchester United's Premier League ambitions, it was far from a failure. The club secured a record-equalling 12th FA Cup title, proving that even in a season of inconsistency, they remained a formidable force in English knockout football.

Manchester United played their 24th Premier League campaign and 41st straight season in England's top division during 2015–16. The campaign was defined by a stark contrast between domestic league struggles and cup success. While the club fought to stay in the top four, they ultimately failed to secure a Champions League spot, finishing the season outside the top four after a 3–2 loss to West Ham at the Boleyn Ground. The team's pre-season included a tour of the United States, featuring matches against Club América, San Jose Earthquakes, Barcelona, and Paris Saint-Germain. Early in the campaign, a 1–0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur, secured via an own goal, helped the club briefly reach the top of the league table.

Notwithstanding league struggles, a 2–1 win against Crystal Palace in the 2016 FA Cup Final stood out, securing the club's 12th FA Cup title and matching the existing record. This success provided a vital silver lining to a season marked by significant fluctuations in form, including a six-game winless run in the league that ended in 2015, their worst since January 1990. This silverware arrived despite a difficult period where the club suffered a 3–0 defeat to Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium. Such inconsistency was evident when the side also lost three consecutive matches during the winter period.

Individual performances provided moments of brilliance amidst the turbulence. Anthony Martial emerged as a key figure, scoring a brace against Southampton and a double against West Ham. Concurrently, rising star Marcus Rashford surged forward, netting twice during his Premier League debut versus Arsenal and setting a record as the youngest player to score in a Manchester derby during a win over Manchester City. The young striker's impact was further highlighted by his performance against Southampton, where he scored twice to secure a 3–2 victory. Meanwhile, the squad's efforts were overseen by manager Louis van Gaal, who received praise for his reliance on youth.

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