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The Premier League campaign has been a mixed bag so far for Manchester United. The Red Devils have had an equal share of impressive and disappointing performances domestically and continentally.
After starting the season brimming with optimism, not many United fans have retained the faith they had after they demolished Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds at Old Trafford on the opening day.
Even the most ardent Mancunians will tell you that the club is performing below its capabilities. With the signing of long-term target Jadon Sancho, World Cup-winning defender Rafael Varane and legendary Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo, expectations were high.
Manchester United were predicted to make a push for the league title this season. However, they find themselves outside the top four near the halfway point of the season.
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The Red Devils endured a wretched run of form that saw club legend Ole Gunnar Solskjaer dismissed from his post and German boss Ralf Rangnick appointed. Despite disappointing in key games against cross-town rivals Manchester City, eternal rivals Liverpool and, most damningly to Swiss side Young Boys, the United team has some talented players who deliver consistently.
These players will be the basis of the rebuild for interim boss Ralf Rangnick and whoever the Old Trafford hierarchy hand the reins to in the summer. Without further ado, here are five of Manchester United’s top performers so far this campaign:
#5 Victor Lindelof | Manchester United defender
The Manchester United centre-back has been the rock in Ralf Rangnick's defense in recent games. Prior to the tactician's entry into club affairs, Victor Lindelof was showing up for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as well. The star has remained consistent in United's games, appearing in 13 matches so far this Premier League season.
Although Manchester United continue to concede goals, Lindelof has guided the defense to two clean sheets. The Red Devils currently sit in 6th place, having played just 16 games so far this season. They have conceded 24 goals in that same time period as well.
But with Lindelof entering better form, Rangnick will be hoping to improve upon the defense and pick up another title.
#4 Bruno Fernandes | Manchester United playmaker
Perhaps one of Solskjaer's most potent transfers to Old Trafford, Bruno Fernandes started his Manchester United career with a bang and a shout. Stunning the Premier League with his deft goalscoring touch as well as a penchant for scoring penalties, the former Sporting star quickly became United's key marksman.
This season, the star hasn't fully picked up steam the way he did in the previous campaign. While he snatched up double digits in goals and assists last term, Fernandes has only managed five goals and three assists in 16 Premier League appearances this season.
His Champions League outings have been above par however, with the star churning in five assists in six games.
#3 Fred | Manchester United midfielder
The United midfielder has become an enigma for fans and pundits alike. One moment, he's making a torrid mistake and causing Manchester United to concede a goal. The next moment, he's making incredible runs into the final third and partaking in United's potent attacks.
Fred has been dribbled past, on average, nearly three times per game in the Premier League. He's also managed a consistent three tackles per game.
He played often under Solskjaer's reign, and this time under Rangnick, he seems to have won the new manager's heart too. It's little surprise that Fred has maintained his spot in the starting lineup.
The star showcased brilliance during one of their recent games against Crystal Palace, where he kickstarted the attack that helped his side win the game. His inconsistencies might be problematic at another club, but with Manchester United still trying to settle into some form, he has been one of their better players.
#2 David de Gea | Manchester United goalkeeper
The state of Manchester United's defense may have been below standards for the better part of the season. But the Red Devils could have been in an even worse spot, if not for David de Gea.
The brilliant Spanish goalkeeper has been United's last line of defense for a decade, a key player through the club's managerial changes. So far, he's played 355 games for the Red Devils, which only goes to show the star's importance at Old Trafford.
This season has been tough on de Gea, but he has maintained high levels so far. With 53 saves made in just 16 Premier League games, the star goalkeeper has managed over three saves per game on average.
De Gea has only picked up four clean sheets so far, however, two of those have been consecutive in their most recent games. Under Rangnick's management, United's defense has improved noticeably, and David de Gea will certainly benefit from that in the second half of the season.
#1 Cristiano Ronaldo | Manchester United forward
It's hardly any surprise that Cristiano Ronaldo easily tops this list. With his consistent goalscoring, the 36-year-old Portuguese maestro has been a key member of Ralf Rangnick's side.
The star has remained a potent attacker for the Red Devils, managing a brilliant six goals in five Champions League games, as well as seven goals in 13 Premier League appearances.
Much ado has been made about Cristiano Ronaldo's inability to help the team during defending spells. In recent games, the ace striker has acclamatized to Ralf Rangnick's high pressure style of play, cutting passing lanes and chasing down the ball.
His last five games have seen the maestro score four goals, and he clearly has no plans of slowing down.
