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2021 has not been the easiest of years for Manchester United. They exceeded expectations by finishing second in the Premier League last season, but failed to carry their momentum over to the 2021-22 campaign.
A lackluster run followed, which eventually cost Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer his beloved job in November.
Ralf Rangnick has been brought in as an interim option, but fans are yet to see their team perform like the good old days. Manchester United, however, have no shortage of high-quality players and should be able to turn their fortunes around with a bit of luck.
The Red Devils have seen some fine goals from finer goalscorers in 2021. These goals have helped put a smile on the fans’ faces amid the doom and gloom, keeping their hopes alive for a brighter tomorrow.
Here are the five Manchester United players who have scored the most goals in 2021:
#5 Marcus Rashford - 10 goals
Manchester United poster boy Marcus Rashford enjoyed a fine campaign under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer last season. He appeared in 37 Premier League matches, starting 33 of them.
He was not the most prolific in front of goal, but his work rate and contribution to Manchester United’s attacking play were highly appreciated.
This season, he has not managed to break into the starting XI as often, thanks to a shoulder injury and competition for places.
Overall, Rashford has scored 10 goals in 2021 and will certainly look to add to his tally in the final week of the year.
#4 Cristiano Ronaldo - 13 goals
Cristiano Ronaldo made a dramatic return to his beloved in the summer of 2021. The mercurial Portuguese scored a brace on his second Manchester United debut and has not looked back since.
When fit, Cristiano Ronaldo has started almost every match for the Red Devils this season. He has made 13 Premier League appearances so far, registering seven goals and two assists.
The 36-year-old has been particularly prolific in his favorite competition, the UEFA Champions League.
Ronaldo scored six goals in five Champions League group-stage appearances, single-handedly winning five points for the Old Trafford unit.
Following Solskjaer’s departure, many cast doubt on Ronaldo’s Manchester United career, but the superstar has once again proven his mettle by fitting into Rangnick’s system.
The former Real Madrid ace is Manchester United’s leading scorer this season and is being backed to keep up the good work deep into 2022.
#3 Mason Greenwood - 14 goals
Manchester United arguably have the most respected and successful footballing academy in England. The Red Devils have always had a knack for creating their own superstars, and Mason Greenwood is a fine example of their philosophy.
The Manchester United academy graduate earned his senior contract a couple of years back and has been a constant presence in the first team since.
The naturally-gifted right-winger possesses excellent dribbling skills, is freakishly quick, and has demonstrated impressive decision-making so far in Manchester United’s colors. He likes to cut in from the right and trouble the keeper with every opportunity he gets.
Until March 2021, Greenwood only had a single Premier League goal to his name. He then suddenly burst onto the scene with six goals and an assist in the last eight games of the 2020-21 Premier League season.
Greenwood also scored in the first leg of the Europa League 2020-21 semi-final against Roma, helping his team to a 6-2 win. Greenwood has netted five goals in all competitions this season, taking his goal tally to 14 for the year.
#2 Edinson Cavani - 14 goals
Last season, Edinson Cavani was one of the first names on the team sheet for Manchester United. The Uruguayan popped up with important goals and was set to lead the Red Devils in the 2021-22 campaign as well.
He scored 13 goals in the second half of the 2020-21 season and looked destined to cross the 20-goal mark by the end of 2021.
Unfortunately, Cavani has had to battle the dual threat of niggling injuries and Cristiano Ronaldo’s presence this season. The lack of minutes has taken a toll on his sharpness in front of goal, with the former Paris Saint-Germain man scoring only once this season.
#1 Bruno Fernandes - 19 goals
The only midfielder on our list of forwards, Bruno Fernandes, is arguably the most capable and versatile Portuguese in the Premier League. The Manchester United number 18 is full of poise and charm and is capable of switching effortlessly between creating and scoring.
Last season, Fernandes was Manchester United’s leading goalscorer and assist provider in all competitions, registering 28 goals and 21 assists. 14 of Fernandes’ 28 goals from last season came in 2021.
The Portugal international has struggled to find his shooting boots this season. He has only scored five times across all competitions, a disappointing return for a player of his caliber.
