Manchester United’s miserable season ended on a disappointing note as they lost to relegated side Cardiff City, at home. With that loss, United were confirmed of only the 6th position on the Premier League table, falling four places from last year’s second-place finish.
Jose Mourinho was replaced by fan favourite and former Manchester United player Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, and the change seemed to work wonders as the Red Devils went on a brilliant run. But the end of the season was a miserable one, where United seemed to lose all steam and the players seemed deflated.
Let’s take a look at the ratings for Manchester United players (only players who have made 5 or more appearances in the Premier League this season)
Goalkeeper
David de Gea – B
The Spanish goalkeeper was not at his best in the last couple of months of the season and his performance was way below his lofty standards with the keeper committing a series of high-profile errors.
Defence
Ashley Young – E
Young had a torrid year and his age is finally showing. He recently signed a new contract so we can expect to see him in the United squad once again next year.
Diogo Dalot – B
The 20-year-old Portuguese full-back had a solid debut season, impressing the Old Trafford faithful with his energy and wonderful crossing. Can expect more from him in the years to come.
Phil Jones – C
The 27-year-old wasn’t the first-choice centre-back for Mourinho or Solskjaer and was average at best. Like Young, he too signed a new contract, a four-year deal.
Chris Smalling – C
Smalling continues to be one of the longest-serving players in this United squad but had another mediocre season. Still not first-choice at United after 9 years at the club, but was also rewarded with a new contract.
Victor Lindelof – B+
Commanding and full of energy in some games, but some lapses in concentration along the way. Lindelof had a good season in a fragile back four. Could be first-choice centre-back next season alongside a new centre back signing.
Eric Bailly – E
Rash while going into tackles and lacking concentration, Bailly left a lot to be desired in a stop-gap season.
Luke Shaw – A
Manchester United’s Player of the Year, the English left-back was consistently good.
Matteo Darmian – E
Played few games in the season. Looks set to leave United and return to Italy.
Midfield
Paul Pogba – A
Manchester United’s leading goalscorer and assist maker this season. Pogba has shown his world-class talent at times, but let down by teammates and a lack of belief in him by the former manager.
Nemanja Matic – D
No longer the solid, quick-thinking shield in front of the back four. Was error-prone and caught out by the opposition’s midfielders.
Ander Herrera – B+
Consistently showed energy and enthusiasm from midfield. Hard tackler and offered great balance in attack and defence, but leaving United at the end of the season.
Fred – F
The fourth most expensive player in Manchester United’s history failed to start even 15 games in the league this season. Could not link play from midfield, was overrun, and seemed a little too rash.
Scott McTominay – B+
Showed determination and drive to help the team in all parts of the pitch. One of the bright spots in Manchester United’s dull season. Could become a key player for United in the future.
Andreas Pereira – C
The Brazilian showed sparks of brilliance but wasn’t consistent. Gave away the ball too cheaply.
Attack
Marcus Rashford – B+
Joint third-highest goalscorer with 10 goals in the league, and second most assists with 6. Was let down by poor service, but also was wasteful in front of goal. His finishing needs to improve significantly if he wants to be Manchester United’s No. 9.
Romelu Lukaku – C
Finished as the second-highest goalscorer with 12 goals in the league, but was largely disappointing for a player who cost £75 million. The Belgian didn’t offer much in terms of movement and cleverness; very one dimensional.
Anthony Martial – B
Scored 10 goals in the season, but his attitude has apparently irked Solskjaer. Needs to be more consistent, more mobile in defence, and improve on his off-the-ball movement.
Alexis Sanchez – F
United’s worst player of the season by a mile. Started just 9 games in the entire season.
Jesse Lingard – D
Injury and inconsistency meant that Lingard had a poor year. Didn’t offer much in terms of assists.
Juan Mata – D
Put in a shift when called upon but his powers in the attacking third have waned.