Top 5 players of the season

By Dara O'brien, published on 13/06/21

In the past season, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s Man United have had many brilliant performers, but who were the best of these performers? Well, this is what I’ll discuss in this piece; United’s best players of the season, and why I think they deserve a place in the list. Firstly however, we need to understand what constitutes a place on this list. For me, you need consistency, a positive impact on the team, general quality and to play well in big moments.

5. Aaron Wan-Bissaka

There are other players in the squad that were unlucky to miss out on this spot, who I heavily considered, namely Paul Pogba and Edinson Cavani. But the truth is, Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s performances have slid under the radar this season. The English right back has continued to prove himself as one of best 1 on 1 defenders in world football, as well as hugely improving on the attacking side of his game. This has proved crucial to United, and has helped in balancing the attacking workload from one flank to the other.

In terms of consistency, Wan-Bissaka has been one of United’s finest. This season, he has played a total of 54 games in all competitions, which has come as a result of United’s lack of depth at the right back position. Wan-Bissaka’s impressive appearance count is even more impressive when you factor the amount of ground he covers in every game, and perhaps even more importantly the fact that he’s been one of the top right backs in the Premier League this season. He’s also played well in big moments; take PSG (A) for example. He was able to restrict Kylian Mbappé nearly completely, which eventually led to Marcus Rashford scoring the winner.

4. Marcus Rashford

Marcus Rashford has been excellent this season, so much so that you could say that he’s unlucky not to be higher on this list. Rashford has managed to record 21 goals and 15 assists in 57 appearances this season, putting him 7th in total goal involvements in the Premier League. This is even more impressive when you consider how Rashford has been playing through injury for the full season, consistently pushing through the pain barrier to play for his childhood club. He’s managed to play 57 games despite this, making him one of Solskjaer’s most reliable players.

He’s also popped up in big moments for United, with perhaps his biggest goal coming against PSG in Parc de Princes, winning the game for United in stoppage time. He also scored a stoppage time winner against Wolves, and, of course, scored a hattrick after coming on against RB Leipzig to seal the win. He’s ticked practically every box this season, and while there is still plenty for him to improve on, there’s no doubt about Rashford’s continual progress.

3. Harry Maguire

Simply put, Harry Maguire has played a ridiculous amount of minutes this season. Up until his untimely injury against Aston Villa, Harry Maguire had not missed a single Premier League minute during his time at Manchester United, a span of 71 games in total. Not only has he played every minute for United, but he’s consistently been United’s leader and best defender during that time. It is almost impossible to overstate the Englishman's importance for this United team, which was something that unfortunately became apparent in United’s time without their skipper. The worst of this came in the Europa League Final against Villarreal, where United missed Maguire in practically every aspect of the game. They were unable to progress the ball from defence, defend set-pieces and were lacking Maguire’s presence, looking nervous and at some stages, even uninspired.

2. Luke Shaw

There have been very few, if any, left backs in Europe to have outperformed Luke Shaw this season. Quite simply, it’s been an incredible resurgence for the English full back after his horrific leg break in 2015. This season he has been outstanding, rarely losing the ball, creating as many chances as you could hope for, as well as being able to defend as well as nearly every other full back in the Premier League. He’s been one of United’s most consistent players, as well as one of their most creative. This has made United more balanced in attack and taken the creative burden off of players like Marcus Rashford, allowing for him to play higher up the pitch and getting himself in the box more, thus allowing him to score more goals.

Shaw was voted as United’s Players’ Player of the Year, and deservedly so, however he just misses out on top spot in this list.

1. Bruno Fernandes

Bruno Fernandes being called Manchester United’s Player of the Season will not and should not surprise anyone. Not only has he been United’s best player this season, but he’s been one of the best players in the country, coming 3rd in goals scored and 2nd in assists in the league this season.

He’s done practically everything for United this season; he’s scored the most goals, had the most assists and created the most chances all from an attacking midfield role. He even broke the Premier League record for goals scored in a single season by a midfielder, breaking Frank Lampard’s record. He has had an impact on the team since being signed that very few players have ever had, and without wanting to “go there”, there are plenty of similarities between his and Eric Cantona’s influence on the team after being signed.

He’s also played in an incredible 58 games this season for United, making him one of our most reliable players. He was awarded the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year award, and there is no doubt that he is fully deserving of this incredible honour.

Information via Transfermarkt