Manchester United had a poor start to the season, especially in the Premier League which was capped off by the loss to Tottenham. But the squad has fought back well and now the team looks much sharper and fitter than before. Manchester United haven’t lost a game yet since the international break and have put out a statement of intent by beating PSG and RB Leipzig in the Champions League.
The Red Devils have had some outstanding performers already this season and their form will be crucial for United’s season. Solskjaer would hope that these players will come up big throughout the season and will keep grinding out points for Manchester United. Let us now have a look at the five players who might be pivotal to Manchester United’s season.
#5- DAVID DE GEA –
With the arrival of Dean Henderson, David De Gea was threatened of his position as Manchester United’s No.1 between the sticks. It was thought that De Gea and Henderson are two great goalkeepers and keeping both of them would hinder the performances of both. But the Spaniard has responded brilliantly and looks to get back to his best, with cat-like reflexes.
His saves against PSG and RB Leipzig were crucial for Manchester United’s victories as he remains to be the unsung hero. De Gea has also reportedly stepped up his training at Carrington to be better than ever before. His return to form is a great sight to see for the United fans and Solskjaer as De Gea is a big-match player.
#4-HARRY MAGUIRE –
The Manchester United captain has had a bad summer personally, after that night in Mykonos, where he spent his break. On the pitch as well, Maguire had a poor start to the season, making mistakes more often than not, which led to goals for the opposition. The Englishman was also dropped for the PSG game and has responded well, the way a captain should, by giving better performances.
Against Chelsea and RB Leipzig, Maguire looked solid as ever and commanded the United defence well. His form at the centre of United’s defence will be important for the team so that the team doesn’t concede soft goals. Maguire has huge pressure over him because of the captaincy and also his price tag thus needs to perform well consistently.
#3- FRED –
Fred has been a changed player under Solskjaer and shown signs of becoming one of the best players Manchester United have. Whenever he is on the pitch, the Brazilian midfielder gives it his all for the Red Devils and is a workhorse. As proven earlier, he can be a perfect replacement for Nemanja Matic in the defensive midfield role, as Fred is quicker and younger than the Serbian.
His tenacity and defensive abilities have helped United in the Champions League, helping the defence settle down. Though the midfielder has certain areas of his game to improve he will be crucial to Manchester United’s season.
#2- BRUNO FERNANDES –
Bruno Fernandes has soon become Manchester United’s talisman after the joining in only January. The Portuguese midfielder has become the Red Devils’ creator-in-chief and is also this season’s highest chance creator in the Premier League. He hasn’t stopped from where he left off last season and is amongst the goals and assists for Manchester United.
Solskjaer would hope that his January signing will do him good over the long-term and help United win silverware this season. The former Sporting Lisbon captain has already captained Manchester United this season and is a role model on the pitch. Bruno will look to be the best midfielder in the Premier League this season, which will ultimately help the entire team.
#1- MARCUS RASHFORD –
Manchester United’s No.10 and academy graduate, Marcus Rashford might just be the club’s most important player this season. Lately he scored the first hat-trick of his senior career and looks sharp to build on it and score even more. With Anthony Martial’s bad start to the season, this just might be Rashford’s chance to rise, shine and get the goals for his boyhood club.
Rashford has played well from the central position, despite his favourite spot is from the left-wing. The Englishman has started the season off very well and will look to continue his red-hot form. Solskjaer would hope for Rashford to score and assist more goals and help the team challenge to some titles.
