The 2004–05 season was Manchester United's 13th season in the Premier League, and their 30th consecutive season in the top division of English football.

The season finished trophyless (only their fourth trophyless season in 17 seasons) for United, who finished third in the Premier League with 77 points. The title went to Chelsea, who finished the season with a record 95 points and lost just one game all season, with the previous season's champions Arsenal finishing runners-up.

Their European Cup dream ended in the Second Round at Milan, while they were eliminated from the League Cup by Chelsea in the semi-finals. The last chance of silverware was blown by a Paul Scholes penalty miss against Arsenal in a shoot-out after a goalless draw in the 2005 FA Cup Final.

On a more positive note for the club, newly signed 19-year-old striker and leading club goalscorer Wayne Rooney was voted PFA Young Player of the Year.

United also ended Arsenal's record-breaking 49-game unbeaten league run with a 2–0 home win in late October.

Manchester United played their first pre-season fixture of the 2004–05 season away to Cobh Ramblers. United won 2–1, through goals from Mads Timm and Kenny Cooper.

The Reds then set off to North America for their pre-season tour, taking part in the Champions World Series. Their first match, played at the Soldier Field in Chicago, United States against Bayern Munich. After a 0–0 draw, the match went to penalties, with Bayern prevailing 4–2 in the shoot-out. United's next game of their pre-season tour was against Celtic at the Lincoln Financial Field. Chris Sutton gave Celtic an early lead with a penalty after Jonathan Spector fouled Stiliyan Petrov. Alan Smith equalised for United with a header from a corner kick, but Craig Beattie scored the winner for Celtic after Roy Keane lost possession.

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