Man Utd have had a mixed start to the Premier League season (Image: Getty Images)
Manchester United have had a characteristically chaotic start to the current Premier League campaign, managing three wins, three losses and one draw to find themselves languishing in mid-table. Victories against Burnley, Chelsea and Sunderland have been overshadowed by defeats against Arsenal, Manchester City and Brentford, alongside a stalemate at Fulham. With the second international break of the season now underway, Express Sport grades the United squad on how they’ve performed so far…
Goalkeepers
Altay Bayindir – 6
Was responsible for the goal in United’s season-opening loss to Arsenal at Old Trafford and also accountable for those shipped in the dramatic 3-2 triumph over Burnley. Paradoxically produced some respectable stops in the 3-1 reverse at Brentford but perpetually appears to have an error in him.
Senne Lammens – 8
A confident debut in the 2-0 win against Sunderland last weekend and appears likely to retain his position ahead of Bayindir moving forward. Dominated his penalty area, comfortable with both feet, reliable passing range and appears to offer a dependable choice between the sticks. Only one appearance so far though.
Defenders
Luke Shaw – 6
An inconsistent start. Criticised by Roy Keane for “stealing a living” following a woeful showing in the 3-0 derby thrashing at Manchester City but was outstanding against Chelsea, disappointing once more at Brentford and improved against Sunderland. Needs to be more reliable.
Harry Maguire – 6
Like Shaw, he’s had a rollercoaster start to the season. Despite a solid performance in the victory over Chelsea, he was culpable for Brentford’s opening goal in United’s 3-1 loss and consequently found himself on the bench against Sunderland. He’s struggling to secure a spot in United’s first-choice back three.
Matthijs De Ligt – 8
The most reliable defender for United this season, as evidenced by his seven Premier League starts and playing every minute of them. Whether centrally or on the right of a back three, De Ligt’s defensive prowess and positional awareness have been standout features.
Leny Yoro – 7
He’s carved out a niche for himself as United’s top choice on the right of a back three, which makes it puzzling why he started the matches against Chelsea and Brentford on the bench, only to be brought back for Sunderland. He remains composed under pressure and is skilled with the ball.
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Diogo Dalot – 6
Kicked off the season at right wing-back and set up Mbeumo’s goal in the Burnley victory, but an injury sidelined him for the City and Chelsea clashes. He made a comeback in the starting line-up at Brentford, where two of their three goals were scored from his side. Too inconsistent.
Patrick Dorgu – 5
Despite starting five of United’s seven league games, he has yet to prove himself as a left wing-back. His final delivery needs work and despite having more touches in the opposition box (12) than any other player in the Manchester derby, he failed to capitalise on any of them.
Noussair Mazraoui – 6
Currently sidelined due to injury, limiting him to just two Premier League starts. United have felt the absence of his physical presence and ball-playing skills from the backline.
Ayden Heaven – 5
Limited to a mere three minutes in the Premier League and 64 minutes in the Carabao Cup exit at the hands of League Two side Grimsby. Struggling for playing time with a lack of fixtures.
Manuel Ugarte has been one of Man Utd’s poorest performers (Image: Getty Images)
Midfielders
Casemiro – 6
His reckless fouls resulted in a red card just before half-time in the victory over Chelsea, nullifying United’s one-man advantage following Robert Sanchez’s early sending off. Amorim’s preference for him over Mainoo and Ugarte is evident, but his rashness in tackles is worrisome.
Bruno Fernandes – 6
He has appeared neither happy nor comfortable, let alone effective, when played in a deeper midfield role alongside Casemiro, as opposed to his preferred advanced position where he can exert more attacking influence. Has failed to convert two of his last three penalties for United.
Mason Mount – 7
After two seasons marred by injuries at United, could this be the year Mount remains fit and validates his £55m transfer fee? Netted a stunning opener in the win against Sunderland and was given a standing ovation upon being substituted, following his stellar performance. Must steer clear of injuries.
Manuel Ugarte – 4
Bafflingly started the Manchester derby ahead of Casemiro and proved too easy for City to bypass, offering no shield for the defence. It was a similar tale at Brentford. Difficult to envision him remaining beyond this season.
Kobbie Mainoo – 5
Yet to make a Premier League start this season, his loan request was turned down by United. It’s difficult to assess a player who has had such limited game time. His heavy touch led to Brentford’s third goal after he was brought on as a substitute.
Bryan Mbeumo has started his Man Utd career strongly (Image: Getty Images)
Forwards
Matheus Cunha – 6
His start at United has been slower than anticipated following his £65m transfer from Wolves. Injured in the victory over Burnley, he made a comeback at Brentford, where his cross to Mbeumo earned a penalty that Fernandes missed. Cunha’s position is now threatened by a fully fit Mount.
Bryan Mbeumo – 8
United’s standout signing of the summer. He’s made an immediate impact since his £71m move from Brentford. His two goals and one assist don’t fully reflect his overall contribution, with his speed and diagonal runs behind opposition defences giving United’s attack a fresh dynamic.
Benjamin Sesko – 7
It’s taken him some time to settle in, but his two goals in the last two matches indicate he’s finding his feet. United are playing to Sesko’s strengths, using long balls for him to flick on for his fellow attackers, while his poacher’s instincts from close range have resulted in his goals.
Amad – 6
Has found it hard to replicate his impressive form from last season and missed the loss at Brentford due to a family bereavement. Signs of a return to his best were seen in the victory over Sunderland, where he came close to scoring.
Joshua Zirkzee – 5
The Dutch forward’s chances were always going to be limited with the triple signing of Cunha, Mbeumo and Sesko, resulting in him being restricted to just three substitute appearances in the league.