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
Kate Scott praised for impassioned speech following more racism in Champions League
Danny Jones
Football pundit and sports presenter Kate Scott has been met with plenty of praise for her ‘expert’ handling of the fallout following more racism in the Champions League this week, delivering an emotional and impassioned speech about discrimination live on TV.
The Manchester-born broadcaster, formerly Kate Abdo, was serving as the host on her usual CBS Sports panel on Tuesday, 17 February, when the story of the playoff game between Benfica and Real Madrid – which included a worldie from Vinicius Jr. – was overshadowed by more allegations of racial abuse.
In case you missed it, Argentine player Gianluca Prestianni was accused of making racist remarks by both Vini Jr and Kylian Mbappe, but supposedly covered his mouth so as not to be caught on camera; the match was then stopped for more than 11 minutes.
Speaking in the aftermath amid the following European fixtures the next day, the Withington-schooled journalist and University of Salford graduate delivered an eloquent reaction to the controversy with peak professionalism.
Absolutely pitch perfect, and all those involved in preparing the statement should be applauded.
While Scott herself recognised that it’s a shame we even have to keep talking about issues like these rather than the sheer simplistic beauty of, well, ‘the beautiful game’, her response is an example of the job being done at arguably its very best: factual, ethical, moving and inspiring.
As you can see, Scott goes on to say, “This isn’t Real Madrid versus Benfica – it is right versus wrong. Vini Junior and Kylian Mbappe said that there was repeated racial abuse.
“Gianluca Prestiani said they misheard, but he covered his mouth to hide what he said from the cameras, and hopefully, we can all agree that if what you are saying on a football pitch is shameful enough to have to hide it from the public, then you’re wrong.”
The Portuguese club, which ultimately lost 1-0 in their first leg at home on the night, have released a statement reaffirming their commitment to “equality, respect, and inclusion” but reiterates that they believe Prestiani and feel he is now the subject of a “defamation campaign”.
Conversely, in a definitive and emphatic closing message, she signs off by adding the following: “The racial diversity on a football pitch in the Champions League is the representation of the global love for this game and the global belonging in this game. This is the very spirit of football.
“And if you don’t agree, then respectfully, you are the one who doesn’t belong.”
This is what the Athletic is supposed to be. Telling important stories & giving in depth analysis. I hope this signals that it will be its focus moving forward.
From CBS ‘Golazo’ show being applauded for tackling the subject head-on, to Cross herself being labelled as everything from “a role model” and “a benchmark” to “the best on the planet” in the outpouring of reactions on social media, it’s fair to say they absolutely nailed it.
Sadly, this is one of many recent examples of prejudice being shared publicly across various UEFA tournaments and beyond in recent years, but the only way we can truly help anti-hate initiatives is by continuing to call them out.
Stockport County defender Tyler Onyango out injured for the rest of the season
Danny Jones
Stockport County defender Tyler Onyango is set to be ruled out for the rest of the season as the club confirms he has injured his hamstring yet again.
County manager Dave Challinor delivered the unfortunate news in his most recent pre-match press conference ahead of the local clash against Wigan Athletic, revealing that the injury, which saw Onyango forced off in the defeat against Bradford City, as feared, is fairly serious.
The young Luton-born full-back has played a baker’s dozen worth of games already this campaign – already three more than his first term last year – but is now scheduled to be out for a number of weeks and isn’t likely to return before Stockport’s promotion race ends.
With the Greater Manchester club having stayed well in and amongst the playoff scrap spots, currently sat in 5th, losing a player in a key wide position is the last thing the Hatters need.
Damaging his hamstring once more, and not for the first time (suffering multiple related setbacks since 2023), the 22-year-old has racked up a number of concerning injuries at a young age.
As well as a hernia problem, Onyango fractured his ankle in 2021 and was sidelined for more than a third of the year in 2022/23 with a hip flexor issue.
He only returned to action after his last muscle strain this past December and did look to be finally enjoying a decent run in Challinor’s side.
On the other hand, the Everton loanee’s performances haven’t always been consistent, and while many fans recognise he’s a “good player when fully fit” and has progressed since he arrived in SK3, other supporters fear he may not be a reliable enough option.
Writing on X, one user said: “A player who has improved since last season and adds quality to the group. My question to the club is, at what point is maintaining good injury-prone players a potential detriment to the squad rather than a positive ‘gamble’ given we haven’t had consistent wingbacks all season?”
Sadly for the young right-back, who has shown promise in spells bombing down those flanks, his second stint at Edgeley Park is being cut short just like his last one.
Detailing that Onyango “will now go for surgical opinion”, a club statement put simply, “Whatever the outcome, the setback brings his second loan spell at Edgeley Park to a premature end.
Praising the versatile defender for his efforts and resilience thus far, they go on to add: “We wish Tyler all the best and will continue to offer our support throughout his recovery. We thank him for his efforts during his time as a Stockport County player.”
It remains to be seen whether or not they will attempt to keep him close and secure a third temporary deal come the summer.
One player they have decided to help complete his loan trilogy is returning winger Louie Barry, who isn’t expected to be back in action until March, but could provide plenty of solutions on the pitch.
You can see Dave Challinor’s post-match presser following the double defeat to Bradford here.
Kate Jackson -
15th June 2020 
