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Manchester United's style of play has come under severe criticism this season, with many United fans calling for a braver approach to the game. While Jose Mourinho has always been a manager who emphasises on defensive solidity, it is understood that one naturally expects more fluidity from players like Paul Pogba, Anthony Martial, and Alexis Sanchez.
Irrespective of that, Manchester United have provided us with some flashes of pure brilliance that have wowed us. There is a reason they sit second in the Premier League table, and some of the goals they've scored prove just that. Goalkeeper David de Gea might have been United's best player this season, but their offence can pack a powerful punch too.
We shall now take a look at what are probably the five best goals the Red Devils have scored this season. These goals give us an idea of how special United's offensive players are and prove that they can light up the Premier League too - if given the license to do so. Sit back and enjoy...
#5 Jesse Lingard (vs Watford)
On the 28th of November, 2017, Manchester United travelled to Vicarage Road to face Watford in the Premier League. What followed, could be described as one of United's best performances this season. Under 32 minutes, United went 3-0 up thanks to some delicious combination play between their forwards. Ashley Young was the star of the show, and his 25th-minute free-kick, the biggest attraction.
However, United switched off in the second half and potentially allowed Watford a way back into the game. Goals from Troy Deeney and Abdoulaye Doucoure reduced the deficit to just one goal.
A nervy ending was on the cards, but Jesse Lingard ensured United got all three points from the encounter - courtesy of a fantastic solo run, topped off with the finish it screamed for.
#4 Anthony Martial (vs Everton)
Anthony Martial is without a doubt one of the most exciting young forwards in the world, and it is saddening to not see him play as much as we would have liked to. The Frenchman is a special talent and would be an asset to any club in the world. His agility, footwork, technique and vision has plaudits all around the globe. However, it is his eye-for-goal which is on showcase here.
Manchester United sans Romelu Lukaku travelled to Goodison Park to face Everton, and they clearly missed the big Belgian as they struggled to create any meaningful chances in the first half. However, the match proved to be a tale of two halves, as United turned on the heat in the second half.
Two stunning finishes from Martial and Lingard handed United a 0-2 win and all three points. The first of the two came from the boot of Martial, who collected a pass from Paul Pogba before delightfully lifting the ball above and beyond Jordan Pickford's reach, and into the back of the net. Measured perfection.
#3 Marcus Rashford (v Liverpool)
United's very own local boy has been far from his best this season. Perhaps, Marcus Rashford was saving it for the biggest occasion. Given a rare start in the derby against Liverpool, Marcus Rashford looked very focused as he stepped onto the pitch. The match carried massive importance, as it was a virtual decider as to who grabs the runners-up spot in the league.
Events like these call for special moments from special players. Up stepped the 20-year-old Englishman. Rashford found himself at the end of a headed flick-on from Romelu Lukaku that allowed him to attack at the Liverpool net.
He had Trent Alexandre-Arnold to beat, and he did so in emphatic fashion. He raced the opposition right-back to the penalty box, attempted a gorgeous Ronaldo-chop that saw off Alexander-Arnold, and nailed a vicious finish past Loris Karius.
#2 Nemanja Matic (v Crystal Palace)
Nemanja Matic has been one of Manchester United's best signings of late. The Serbian has been a defensive rock in midfield for Jose Mourinho, putting in hard shifts week in week out. While his earnestness is always talked-of, his ability to pull off a long shot is rather underrated. He has a few blinding goals from his time with Chelsea that he can remember with great fondness, including one in the FA Cup semi-final against Tottenham Hotspur.
However, it can be understood if he selects his first Manchester United goal as his favourite. A 91st-minute winner against Crystal Palace which completed a turnaround from 2-0 down to 2-3 up. A Paul Pogba shot, which was blocked, fell kindly for Matic who hit the half-volley from a distance to beat Wayne Hennessey in goal.
#1 Antonio Valencia (v Everton)
It would take an extraordinary goal to beat the four we have witnessed so far. This goal is just that. Everton have been on the receiving end of some special attacking play from United this season, and they're back at it again. However, this time, they could have done absolutely nothing about it.
The rain was pouring down in stair-rods as United looked to break the deadlock at home to Everton. Nemanja Matic swung a cross into the box which was headed out by Gylfi Sigurdsson, but only as far as winger-turned-fullback Antonio Valencia.
From the edge of the box, Valencia lashed a volley into the top right corner to give United the first goal in a 4-0 win. Possibly, a nostalgic moment for the Ecuadorian who had scored quite a few stunners before being converted into a right-back. A goal you can watch over and over again.
