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Manchester United
Anthony Martial
As of matchday 18 and their win at Cardiff City, Manchester United had relieved themselves of manager Jose Mourinho, amidst numerous on and off the pitch issues surrounding his tenure. Much of the points didn't solely emanate from him - but the club seemingly is looking to rectify them, with even club legend Peter Schmeichel offering himself as director of football. At this point, Man United have appointed club legend Ole Gunnar Solskjear as interim manager, and seemingly the team responded well by winning in South Wales.
The year overall for them was mixed - they finished second in the league, but then miles behind Mancunian neighbours Manchester City. They lost to Mourinho's former club Chelsea in the FA Cup final and had a weak exit in the Champions League to Sevilla. The first half of 18/19 saw a memorable albeit fortunate win at Juventus (and against old boy/club legend Ronaldo) in the Champions League, and a League Cup defeat to Derby County. Prior to Matchday 19, they are sixth in the league and will need a radical change in form to gain a top-four placing.
As for the Red Devils' player of the year, it's hard to say, since many of their top players have been inconsistent, or merely non-performing. However, the pick here goes to Anthony Martial on various means:
- Talk of rifts between himself and the now former manager didn't affect his game
- He has added some attacking flair, amidst Mourinho's negative "park the bus" football
This may be a controversial choice in some respects. But then Martial certainly must stand versus the qualities but inconsistencies of Paul Pogba, Marcus Rashford, Jesse Lingard, Eric Bailly, Lindelof, and Juan Mata.
United did sign Alexis Sanchez from Arsenal, but he has to date been a huge flop. His Arsenal form, which was stellar, has certainly not been reproduced to date.
David de Gea, some may argue, has been more consistent over the year. And without his saves and performances, United may have been even worse off. But Martial has been a ray of attacking light, amidst some really dour performances.
Honourable mentions
David de Gea
Paul Pogba
Romelu Lukaku
Juan Mata
Jesse Lingard
Eric Bailly
