The English Premier League is at a very exciting stage as the battle for the top 4 is heating up. Manchester City is at the 1st position with 56 points while Manchester United being at the 2nd position with 46 points. Leicester City, Chelsea FC and West ham United being at 46, 42 and 32 points respectively the league will get a lot more intriguing from here on. Manchester United is the team that is looking a lot more competitive than the last season.
In this piece, we are about to highlight the performances of 5 players who have played a crucial role for the Red Devils till now. Under the guidance of Ole Gunnar Solksjaer, the Red Devils are looking a competitive and stubborn outfit in every department. Solksjaer has done well in balancing the team formations keeping in mind the opposition’s strengths. The 46-year-old manager’s intelligent vision and a fine understanding of the game are showing results at the moment.
The players we are about to discuss in this post possess different tactical awareness, creative sense, technical attributes and temperament. These players have so far delivered some fine performances when their sides required them to. Some are skilful with their control and speed while some have dominated with their possession-based style of play, finishing abilities and fine distribution.
These players have been able to alter their game depending on the opposition which has made them look a lot more dominating offensively as well as defensively. Based on all these features we have prepared a list of 5 Manchester United players who have impressed the most this season till now.
#1 Bruno Fernandes
The Portuguese has looked in stellar form right throughout the season. The 26-year-old has been a guiding force in the midfield. Fernandes’ unpredictable speed and fine anticipation have created problems for the opposition. The midfielder’s strength is to attack which is why he is being deployed as an attacking midfielder.
The former Sampdoria FC player can score from difficult positions which have baffled the opposition’s defence. Fernandes’ goal conversion rate has also looked impressive. Fernandes has scored 14 goals in 24 games this season so far in the Premier League with 10 assists to his name. Fernandes has impressed with his brilliant unpredictable finishing. Fernandes has teamed up quite well with midfielders Paul Pogba and Scott Mc Tominay. Fernandes has also scored 4 goals in 6 Champions League games this season with 1 assist to his name. Solksjaer has praised Fernandes’ passing skills, scoring abilities and technical skills. The manager went on to compare the midfielder with former Manchester United legend Paul Scholes.
#2 Marcus Rashford
Rashford has been a star performer for the Red Devils for the last 2-3 seasons. The 23-year-old is growing technically after every passing game under the guidance of Ole Gunnar Solksjaer. The winger normally plays in the left-wing as he can add more pace and create problems with his accurate passing from difficult positions.
The England International has utilized his creative runs smartly and has combined well with the midfield. Rashford has netted 8 goals in 24 games in the Premier League so far this season with 8 assists to his name. Rashford’s clever on-field understanding with Anthony Martial has worked well during open play. The duo has managed to create opportunities with their fluid passing. As far as Rashford’s finishing is concerned the winger has scored some spectacular goals this season. Rashford has also netted 6 goals in 6 Champions League games so far this season. Rashford’s skills and adaptability were always praised by Solksjaer.
#3 Edinson Cavani
Cavani’s devastating pace has added intensity and attacking flair in the forward line. The Charismatic striker has showcased his well-timed counter attacks with his speed and calculative runs. The former Paris St Germain player has used his reach to good effect during set pieces and quick footwork. Cavani’s technique allows him to operate smoothly from both sides of the flanks.
The 34-year-old can outrun any opposition on his day and his ability to score from awkward positions makes him a deadly addition. Cavani has scored 6 goals in 17 games so far this season with 2 assists to his name. Cavani’s experience of playing in different leagues globally has been beneficial for the side till now. Cavani’s pace and attacking style of play has enabled Rashford and Martial to pick the gaps easily in the opposition’s half. Solksjaer had stated Cavani’s experience has been a handful for other players.
#4 Anthony Martial
Martial’s quick counter-attacks and clever understanding with the midfield has been a vital factor for the Red Devils. The Frenchman has the tendency to move deep with his speed and is known for his pressing game. The 25-year-old is gifted with creative footwork and has showcased fine balance and control during open play when it comes to moving in goal scoring positions.
The centre forward has notched up 4 goals in 19 games so far this season with 5 assists to his name. Martial has this unique ability to change his game as per the opposition. His clever link-ups and clever communication with Rashford has enabled both to create more opportunities. Martial has also enjoyed a healthy partnership with star midfielder Paul Pogba. The former AS Monaco player has also scored 2 goals in 5 Champions League games so far this season with 2 assists to his name. Solksjaer had stated that Martial is a vital component of the squad.
#5 Aaron Wan Bissaka
Wan Bissaka’s clever interceptions and timely clearances have turned out to be crucial for Manchester United. The 23-year-old can break the flow of any attack with his exceptional marking. The former Crystal Palace FC player can build-up play with his clever one-touch passes which have often helped the team create more chances inside the box.
Bissaka’s swift tackles during the run of play and during crucial periods of the game can change the outcome of the game. His coordination with Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw has worked well at the flanks. The England International has also scored 2 goals in 22 Premier League games so far this season with 2 assists to his name. Solksjaer had stated that the defender can take Manchester United to a higher level. The manager has also appreciated his attacking contributions.
Also Read: 5 Manchester City players who have impressed the most this season
