The end of this season is finally upon us, and while the beginning of the season feels like a long time ago, we’ve cast our minds back over the previous season to rate the Manchester United squad out of 10, play-by-player.
David De Gea – 5
By David’s standards, this was a poor season for the Spaniard, who has been struggling for consistency for a few seasons now at United. With Dean Henderson impressing on loan at Sheffield De Gea is facing some uncertainty over his starting spot for next season.
Romero – 5
Considering his role at the club, Romero has had an okay season, and boasts an impressive clean sheet record, albeit often featuring against the weaker sides in cup competitions. The fact he didn’t step in for De Gea at any point in the Premier League this season suggests Ole may not trust the Argentinian in bigger games, highlighted when he was dropped for the Semi-final against Cheslea.
Wan-Bissaka – 8
The Spiderman had an impressive debut season for the Red Devils, completing the most tackles of any player in the league this season. While he could show more potency going forward, this side of his game is definitely being worked on, and showed improvement in the second half of the season. A very solid debut season.
Lindelof – 7
The Swedish centre half comes under a lot of criticism from Man United fans, but all in all he’s had a good season. For once it looks like we have a settle centre back pairing, who despite not complementing each other perfectly, has lead to an impressive defensive record this season.
Harry Maguire – 7
The £80m pound man has had an impressive debut season, picking up the captains armband after Ashley Young’s departure in the winter transfer window. Often harshly criticised because of his price tag, Maguire has been a very solid defensive addition to the squad and added stability to a position United have been struggling to fill for some time. Partnered by a quicker CB, we might see even more from Maguire in coming seasons.
Eric Bailly – 5
Bailly gets you on the edge of your seat, but often not for the right reasons. A Cruyf turn in the penalty area or a drop of the shoulder does often see Bailly emerge with the ball from defence, but it’s nervy. Bailly’s biggest issue at United has been his injury concerns and he just can’t seem to stay fit for any extended period of time. With Ole looking to strengthen in the centre back role, Eric might be one of the defenders shown the door this summer.
Phil Jones – 3
After signing a surprise bumper contract under Ole, Phil Jones has been a man in the shadows for much of his reign at Old Trafford. Collecting a big wage and sitting on the bench (or Physio table) every week, Phil Jones has had another poor season. Will he survive the transfer window?
Luke Shaw – 7
Perhaps only fully appreciated when he’s not playing, Luke Shaw has had a very good season. After Brandon Williams has began competing for his spot in the team, Shaw has really kicked on and started to look like the promising attacking full back we signed all those years ago.
Brandon Williams – 6
Williams has had a strong season for Manchester United, especially considering he didn’t attend the pre-season tour it came as somewhat of a surprise to see him feature so much this season. Playing with plenty of desire, Brandon has performed well this season, but to get the best out of the right-footer he may operate best on the right hand side.
Nemanja Matic – 7
Can Bruno and Pogba play together? With Matic they can. The Serbian looked finished at Man United just 6 months ago and his resurgence came as a surprise to many a Manchester United fan. His impact hasn’t gone unnoticed and saw him secure a 3-year extension to his contract. Matic proved pivotal in United’s chase for a top 4 spot.
Paul Pogba – 6
Injured for most of the season and with much speculation about his future at Manchester United, Paul Pogba settled back into the squad for the end of the season. Perhaps not fully fit yet, Pogba still put in some solid performances and his linkup play with Bruno is an exciting glimpse into what could be if the French World Cup winner does decide to stay at Manchester United.
Bruno Fernandes – 9
Arguably a 10. The impact that Bruno has had on Manchester United can’t be emphasised enough – the only question that remains is why didn’t we sign him sooner? With 8 goals and 7 assists in 14 Premier League games Bruno has taken the league by storm. More of the same next season please Bruno!
Fred – 7
When we needed him most Fred finally stepped up to the plate and looked like the player we all thought he was going to be when we signed him from Shaktar. The Brazilian put in some solid performances and helped United through a troublesome period with injuries. If he can keep it up next season he could be a fantastic rotation option in the midfield.
Scott McTominay – 7
The Scottish midfielder is another one who stepped up when we needed him most and gets special praise for that goal against Manchester City. The dynamic midfielder looks a leader on the pitch and under Matic’s tutelage could nail down a starting spot at defensive midfield for years to come.
Jesse Lingard – 4
Almost escaping the season without a goal or an assist, Lingard managed a 98th-minute tap in against Leicester to secure United UCL football. Apart from that, it’s hard to gauge what Lingard has brought to the squad this season. After assigning Raiola as his agent, he could be one of many players to leave United this summer.
Juan Mata – 4
After signing a contract on £130,000 a week, you’d expect a lot more from Juan despite his age. With the occasional flash of brilliance, you can sometimes be reminded of what a talent Juan once was. With Ole preferring Lingard and Pereira over Juan, it’s hard to give him anything even above a 4.
Andreas Pereira – 4
Given a dead ball scenario, Andreas looks a fairly competent attacking midfielder. But that’s about where his impact on the squad starts and finishes. The Brazilian has been given plenty of opportunities this season and failed to impress in any of them. With rumoured admiration from Ole, Pereira has a lot of improving to do if he is going to be here next season.
Mason Greenwood – 8
What a debut season for Mason Greenwood this has been. Smashing in important goals for United with both feet Mason has even some fans questioning whether we need to sign another forward. At 18 his potential is frightening, the sky is the limit for Greenwood.
Marcus Rashford – 8
Dr. Rashford has had another great season, both on and off the pitch. Marcus dragged United through a troubling period in the winter months, often creating the difference in difficult games. After injury looked to see him sidelined for the rest of the season, the postponement gave him some more time to recover, and although not looking fully fit still posed a threat on the wing.
Anthony Martial – 8
I’ll eat my words on this one. It turns out he is more than capable of playing at number 9 and looks to have taken Ole’s advice on board about scoring more tap ins. Martial looks to be playing with a smile with Bruno feeding him from behind.
Odion Ighalo – 7
After completing his dream move to Manchester United on loan, Ighalo has surprised the critics by being a more than capable option upfront. Chipping in with goals in the Europa League Ighalo provided crucial rest bite for the regular starters up top and has performed his role excellently when required.
Dan James – 6
After an electric start to the season James’ season tapered off and with Greenwood’s emergence James found himself on the bench for much of the end of the season. The £15m man from Swansea probably wasn’t expecting so much game time this season and looked to burn himself out. A promising building block for next season.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer – 7
If you’d have offered any United fan top 4 at the beginning of the season they’d have bitten your hand off. So despite the points total and turbulent form this season, you have to hail the season a relative success. With an impressive record against the top sides, Ole now needs to work on delivering against the weaker teams. With visible improvements in many United players and a better strategy in recruitment, United fans have every reason to be optimistic for the future.
Young player of the season – Mason Greenwood
Player of the season – Anthony Martial
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