How have Manchester United’s players rated so far this season?
In preparation for the long-awaited return the Premier League, here’s an overview of Man United’s season so far and where they find themselves when play resumes.
The resumption of the footballing season is just around the corner. Some big sacrifices and changes have had to be made – but the Premier League is set for a comeback.
Much of the talk leading up to 17 June has revolved Liverpool’s seemingly imminent title win – but what lies ahead for Manchester United?
Ole’s men have managed only 12 wins from 29 matches this season, with 8 losses – but things were beginning to look a little brighter before the season was halted.
In March, the Reds found themselves unbeaten in ten matches in all competitions and just three points off the top four.
Should the knock-out competitions be resumed as planned, the Manchester side will find themselves in contention for the FA Cup and the Europa League.
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As the big date looms closer, this is the ideal time to look back at Man United’s season so far – and where they find themselves once play resumes.
Goalkeepers
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David De Gea: De Gea has conceded 33 times in 32 appearances in all competitions. He’s managed 10 clean sheets, most of which have come in the latter half of the season. Still, despite the upturn in performances, we have seldom seen the Spaniard at his best this season. (6/10)
Sergio Romero: United’s second choice goalkeeper doesn’t get a look in when it comes to the league, but he has rarely put a foot wrong in the cup competitions this season. In his 14 appearances this season, he’s conceded only three goals and managed 11 clean sheets. (8/10)
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Defenders
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Aaron Wan-Bissaka: Questions have been asked about the 22-year-old’s attacking abilities but there is no doubt that defensively he has been excellent, particularly in 1v1 situations. A strong debut season so far. (7.5/10)
Brandon Williams: While his inexperience is evident at times, Williams has certainly proved himself to have great potential after providing a strong challenge to Shaw throughout the season. Not bad for a 19-year-old. (6.5/10)
Diogo Dalot: The Portuguese defender has only played only few games due to injury and has had very little impact on the team. (3/10)
Eric Bailly: Bailly has only managed five appearances this season due to ongoing injury problems. He did however put in a standout performance at Stamford Bridge during a crucial game for the Reds. (5/10)
Harry Maguire: There is clear confidence at the club in the English international’s abilities; naming him captain in his first season at the club. While his performances haven’t always been up to scratch, there have been obvious improvements during the back half of the season. (7.5/10)
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Luke Shaw: The introduction of Brandon Williams is the best thing that’s happened to Shaw this season; he’s put in some great performances in the back half of the season. (6.5/10)
Marcos Rojo: Rojo is currently on loan at Estudiantes after just nine appearances this season; it seems as though his time at Old Trafford may soon be coming to an end. (3/10)
Phil Jones: The English defender has been on a downward spiral for some time now. He has just eight appearances this season and one of few positive contributions came from a headed goal against Tranmere Rovers in the FA Cup. (3/10)
Victor Lindelof: Very unconvincing at times, but has improved with the rest of the defensive line-up as the season has progressed. (6/10)
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Midfielders
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Andreas Pereira: Inconsistent at best, completely absent at worst. He may have made 37 appearances this season but he’s only managed 2 goals and 4 assists. It’s clear that Pereira isn’t up to it. (3.5/10)
Bruno Fernandes: The newest addition to the team has only featured in blank games but his arrival was definitely a turning point in United’s season. He’s been the standout player in almost every game he’s featured, whether that will continue when football returns remains to be seen, however. (8.5/10)
Fred: After a lot of criticism and uncertainty about his place in United’s team, Fred has had an impressive season after a consistent position in the starting line-up. A shout for POTY for many United fans. (8/10)
Jesse Lingard: A disappointing season to say the least and probably his last at Old Trafford. (3/10)
Juan Mata: Proven to be a decent squad player but nothing more. (5.5/10)
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Nemanja Matic: Matic was out of favour at the start of the season but he has proven suddenly became a vital player to the team in the back half of the season. (6/10)
Paul Pogba: Hindered by injury problems for most of the season, the Frenchman has only featured in 8 games and wasn’t always convincing. Certainly not his season. (4/10)
Scott McTominay: He was one of the standout performers during the first half of the season and his knee injury was a massive blow to the midfield. He seems to have picked up right where he left off since returning to the team. (7/10)
Anthony Martial: The Frenchman has been under scrutiny this season but he has no doubt been a key element in the attacking line-up with 16 goals and some important strikes against City and Chelsea. (7.5/10)
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Daniel James: The Welshman got off to a strong start but has wilted slightly as the season has progressed. He’s managed four goals and seven assists in all competitions but he has definitely shown promise. (6.5/10)
Marcus Rashford: United’s star man this season until a back injury in January put Rashford out of action for the foreseeable future. He has still managed to score 19 times in 31 appearances in all competitions and has been a standout performer for the Reds. (9/10)
Mason Greenwood: It’s clear that the 18-year-old has natural ability in front of goal and that he has a bright future ahead of him. His record of 12 goals in 36 appearances is excellent. (7.5/10)
Odion Ighalo: Many were mocking United’s decision to sign the Nigerian forward in January but Ighalo has proven himself to be a decent squad player. Fans were largely pleased to hear his contract had been extended to January (6.5/10)
Sport
Manchester United youth player James Overy praised for wholesome moment with young fan
Danny Jones
Manchester United academy player James Overy is receiving heaps of praise online after a video of a heartwarming interaction between him and a young fan went viral on social media.
The Australian-born youngster joined the club and the Carrington set-up back in the summer of 2024, and has flown somewhat under the radar to plenty of supporters, quietly going about his business and continuing his progression.
However, it’s fair to say he’s had a good month or so, as not only did he provide a crucial assist in the under-18s FA Youth Cup semis against Crystal Palace roughly a fortnight ago – with two goals proving enough to book their spot in a Manchester derby final – but now he’s being hailed off the pitch, too.
Taking the time to not just say hello and chat with the young girl after the game, but go so far in engaging with her as to gift her a pair of his boots, it wasn’t just a lovely gesture, but one that will probably stay with the wide-eyed child forever.
Love this stuff…..2 mins of his time to give that little girl a memory for a lifetime ❤️
Not the point, obviously, but there’s something very charming about him repeatedly asking, “Is that alright?” and double-checking if she’s happy with the colour.
He might not be a born and bred Manc but there’s still something very British about it.
The Aussie, only 18 years old himself, has quickly been applauded for what looked to be some very mature and admirable behaviour: spending time with Reds long after the full-time whistle and showing his own appreciation for their support.
Reactions are as you would expect: “What a lad!”, “What it’s [all] about, inspiring the younger generation. Top man”; “What a legend, hope he’s got a good career ahead of him”, and so on.
Others also noted his ‘humility’ at such a young age, with one person going on to add that “a lot of professional players could learn a lot from that young man.”
Here he is talking about his senior debut against West Ham United when he was just a boy.
Prior to a memorable night of his own in the important win at Old Trafford, Overy received his first national team call-up back in November, but is also eligible for Scotland, having already represented both at various youth levels.
He’s also worn the captain’s armband for the U18s and is one of several prospects that United fans who follow all the age groups are keeping an eye on.
Others in that same squad include the Fletcher twins (sons of former player turned coach, Darren), Chido Obi, and the increasingly promising JJ Gabriel, who is still just 15 himself.
If they all follow the example set by James on how to conduct themselves as professionals, as he did with young Imogen, they won’t go far wrong.
Highlights from Man United’s semi-final victory over Palace in the 2025/26 FA Youth Cup
Manchester Storm announce return to AO Arena after nearly two and a half decades
Danny Jones
In a huge bit of regional sporting news, Manchester Storm have announced they will be coming home to the AO Arena after nearly two and a half decades away from the iconic venue.
Massive news for Manc ice hockey followers and local sports fans in general.
Revealing the long-awaited return after 24 long years away from the place where Manchester’s native hockey team first began its story, the team, AO figures, and even some fans were part of a special announcement event inside the 20,000-seater stadium this week.
Confirming the news on Monday, 27 April, MCR Storm will be back playing at the AO Arena later this year – just in time for the start of the 2026/27 campaign.
— Manchester Storm | #TakeShelter (@Mcr_Storm) April 27, 2026
As detailed in a full press release from the Greater Manchester club, they are seemingly marking a milestone moment in their next chapter by going back to their roots.
It goes on to read: “Founded back in 1995 as a tenant of the then newly-opened Manchester Arena, the original Manchester Storm quickly became one of British ice hockey’s most iconic teams.
“In their inaugural season, the Storm secured the First Division championship before becoming founding members of the Ice Hockey Superleague in 1996.”
Coming somewhat full circle more than a generation later (Storm having made it to the play-off finals of the modern Elite Ice Hockey League era this April for the first time in their history), they have made one-off returns to the storied space in recent times.
However, many supporters have been waiting for a fully fledged return for some time now; equally, others are understandably sad to pay a bittersweet goodbye to the ‘Storm Shelter’ over in Altrincham, with the building having already pulled licensing for next year.
They have been at the Planet Ice rink for over a decade now, and the company itself have even issued a lengthy response following the departure – namely noting the issue of communication, clarity and fair notice. Nevertheless, for the vast majority, this felt like a long-overdue comeback.
With an ex-player turned head coach and all-round club legend, Cam Critchlow, having also signed on for another campaign behind the bench, it’s been a busy week in and around the organisation.
Representing the Manchester Storm ownership group, former coach Ryan Finnerty and partner Emma said in a joint statement: “This is a major milestone for our partnership group and a vision we’ve worked towards for some time.
Returning Manchester Storm to the AO Arena is a proud moment for everyone involved. It’s about giving our fans a premier stage in the heart of the city and delivering an outstanding live experience.
“Together with our leadership team and Canadian partners, our ambition is clear — not just to compete, but to lead in the Elite Ice Hockey League and beyond. This marks the start of an exciting new era for the club. Manchester Storm is coming home.
“Today marks a hugely exciting and significant moment for both the Manchester Storm and the Elite League”. The EIHL themselves have also celebrated the news, adding that they feel it reflects “the scale and ambition of the league”.
Are you happy to see them setting up shop at the AO Arena once again? Better still, do you remember going there to watch games the first time around? Let us know down in the comments.
Kate Jackson -
15th June 2020 
