2015 Manchester United Away – Wayne Rooney #10 Medium

The 2015–16 season was a transitional and often frustrating campaign for Manchester United under Louis van Gaal, as the club sought to regain its former dominance in both England and Europe. United finished 5th in the Premier League, narrowly missing out on Champions League qualification, and endured an early exit in Europe after finishing third in their Champions League group behind Wolfsburg and PSV Eindhoven. However, they did manage to lift the FA Cup, defeating Crystal Palace 2–1 in extra time at Wembley — their first major trophy since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement in 2013.

Domestically, Van Gaal’s tactical philosophy focused on possession-based football with a rigid structure, often criticized for lacking attacking fluidity. Despite the mixed performances, this season laid the groundwork for a cultural reset that would soon transition into the José Mourinho era. Defensively, United were among the league’s strongest, conceding just 35 goals, but their attack was among the least prolific in the top six.

The 2015–16 away kit, manufactured by adidas, marked the return of the German brand after a 13-year absence, following the end of Nike’s contract. The design featured a white base with red adidas stripes on the shoulders and subtle black trim — a nod to the club’s iconic early ‘90s look. The shirt was completed with the Chevrolet sponsor and the classic adidas three-stripe motif, embodying both heritage and modern minimalism. Many fans consider this a classic rebirth jersey for its nostalgic simplicity and connection to United’s early Premier League era.

2. Player’s Impact – Wayne Rooney

In the 2015–16 season, Wayne Rooney entered his 12th year at Manchester United as both club captain and its most experienced attacking leader. Though battling recurring knee and ankle injuries, Rooney remained a central figure in Van Gaal’s system, operating alternately as a striker and a deeper playmaking forward. He made 41 appearances in all competitions, scoring 15 goals and providing 6 assists — a testament to his adaptability during a difficult transitional year for the team.

Rooney’s season began inconsistently, but he found rhythm in early 2016 with a string of crucial goals against Newcastle, Sheffield United, and Derby County. His leadership proved invaluable in guiding a young squad that featured emerging talents like Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial, and Jesse Lingard. By the end of the campaign, Rooney’s all-around contribution went beyond numbers; his intelligence and versatility allowed Van Gaal to experiment tactically, often dropping him into midfield to dictate play.

This season also marked a symbolic evolution in Rooney’s career — transitioning from pure goalscorer to creative leader, a role that foreshadowed his later years. Despite criticism, he remained United’s top scorer and was still England’s most influential forward, solidifying his reputation as one of the Premier League’s all-time greats.

3. Full Squad List (2015–16 Manchester United)

Manager: Louis van Gaal
Assistant Manager: Ryan Giggs

Goalkeepers:
David De Gea, Sergio Romero, Sam Johnstone, Victor Valdés (departed mid-season)

Defenders:
Chris Smalling, Daley Blind, Matteo Darmian, Marcos Rojo, Phil Jones, Paddy McNair, Guillermo Varela, Cameron Borthwick-Jackson, Luke Shaw (injured most of the season), Antonio Valencia, Ashley Young (also played wing-back)

Midfielders:
Michael Carrick, Morgan Schneiderlin, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Ander Herrera, Marouane Fellaini, Jesse Lingard, Juan Mata, Andreas Pereira, Nick Powell, Adnan Januzaj

Forwards:
Wayne Rooney (captain), Anthony Martial, Marcus Rashford, Memphis Depay, James Wilson (loaned mid-season), Ashley Young (occasionally forward)