Premier League: Manchester United’s 2019-20 Players of the Year
United’s offense has had moments of brilliance, despair, missed chances, and lack of creativity throughout the season.
The Red Devils scored 44 goals in the Premier League during the season, ranking sixth. Their expected goals (xG) was fifth in the league, however, their goal conversion rate of +0.3 was ranked ninth. United was third in total shots on target and fifth in shots on target per 90 minutes. Despite their prolific number of shots, they were ranked 17th in goals per shot on target.
Many times they dominated possession and ended up with very little to show for it. In 21 Top Flight matches United had over 50% possession. Of these, they won six, drew eight, and lost seven. In the matches where they had less than 50%, they won six, drew one, and lost one (Liverpool).
Paul who?
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Despite it all, there were several solid performers with the ball at their feet.
An honorable mention must go to Bruno Fernandes, who transferred during the January transfer window. However, he only played for 446 minutes over five matches for his new club.
The 24-year-old knocked in two goals and added three assists in league play. He had 4.64 shot-creating actions per 90 minutes and 1.01 goal creating actions per 90 minutes.
The demeanor of the Red Devils changed instantaneously upon Bruno’s arrival. Their offense became noticeably more dynamic and creative as his style of play and leadership nourished his teammates like water on a dried out house plant.
Daniel James, a transfer last summer, led the club in assists. Anthony Martial knocked in 11 goals, led the team in the percentage of shots on target, and also had the best goal conversion rate. Fred contributed as a playmaker leading the team in key passes and shot-creating actions.
Marcus Rashford was Manchester United’s offensive player of the year.
The 21-year-old led the squad in goals with 14, xG per 90 minutes, non-penalty xG per 90 minutes, and non-penalty xG plus expected assists per 90 minutes (npxG+xA/90 minutes). He also had a brace in four league matches.
The English international led United in shots and shots per 90 minutes. He also tied with Martial in shots on target and shots on target per 90 minutes. Marcus was the team’s primary penalty taker and took the vast majority of free-kicks. He was also an effective offensive distributor as he led in goal creating actions and passes into the penalty area.
The excellent news for Red Devils fans is that Marcus has not reached his prime and is continuing to improve under Solskjaer, who made his name as a dangerous striker.