2015 Manchester United Home – Antonio Valencia #25 Large

🏟️ Manchester United 2015–16 Season Overview

The 2015–16 season was Louis van Gaal’s second year in charge at Old Trafford. United were solid defensively but struggled for creativity and goals, leading to a frustrating campaign:

• Premier League: 5th place (missed out on Champions League qualification by 1 point).

• FA Cup: 🏆 Winners, defeating Crystal Palace 2–1 in extra time (United’s first major trophy since 2013).

• League Cup: ❌ Eliminated in the 4th Round by Middlesbrough (penalties).

• UEFA Competitions: ❌ Knocked out in Champions League group stage, then eliminated by Liverpool in the Europa League Round of 16.

The season was remembered for Van Gaal’s rigid tactics, the emergence of Marcus Rashford, and United’s reliance on a disciplined defense led by Chris Smalling and David de Gea.

⭐ Antonio Valencia’s Impact (2015–16)

By 2015, Antonio Valencia had transitioned from a winger into a full-time right-back/wing-back. His pace, work rate, and physicality made him an important squad player, though injuries limited him to just 14 appearances across all competitions that season.

• He featured primarily in the early months before undergoing foot surgery in October 2015.

• Returned late in the season and played a role in United’s FA Cup run, including the final victory at Wembley.

• His professionalism and adaptability kept him an important figure in the squad, even when not a regular starter.

This season was a bridge for Valencia, as he went on to establish himself as United’s first-choice right-back and later club captain under José Mourinho.

📋 Manchester United 2015–16 Full Squad

Manager: Louis van Gaal

Goalkeepers: David de Gea, Sergio Romero, Sam Johnstone
Defenders: Chris Smalling, Daley Blind, Phil Jones, Marcos Rojo, Antonio Valencia, Matteo Darmian, Luke Shaw (long injury), Paddy McNair, Guillermo Varela, Ashley Young (converted to full-back at times)
Midfielders: Michael Carrick, Morgan Schneiderlin, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Ander Herrera, Marouane Fellaini, Jesse Lingard, Juan Mata, Adnan Januzaj (loaned to Dortmund, then returned)
Forwards: Wayne Rooney, Anthony Martial (signed summer 2015), Marcus Rashford (debut season), Memphis Depay, James Wilson, Will Keane