Premier League: Manchester United’s 2019-20 Players of the Year

During last summer’s transfer window, Manchester United made critical moves to shore up their weakest link from last season – their backline.

In 2018-19, the Red Devils’ biggest weakness was in defense. They were ranked 10th in the Premier League in goals against and ninth in expected goals against (xGA). United’s backline was as leaky as a rusted pipe. Their defensive goal conversion rate was -5.7, suggesting an inability to stop opponents from scoring.

MUFC was also 14th in pressures and 17th in tackles in their defensive third. As a result, goalie David de Gea had the seventh-best save percentage but was 15th in clean sheet percentage. In the summer, Man U jettisoned right-back Antonio Valencia, right-back Matteo Darmian, and center-back Chris Smalling. The club received $6.03 million in transfer and loan fees for these transactions.

More from Analysis

• Unlocking the Transfer Market Value of Evan Ferguson: A Comprehensive Analysis
• Unveiling the Strategy: How Marc Cucurella Fits in Manchester United’s Game Plan
• Are Manchester United title favourites with Hojlund signing?
• Premier League players who could win UEFA Nations League this year
• Promoted Team Preview: Vincent Kompany’s Burnley look to surprise

United spent a combined $156.2 million on center-back Harry Maguire and right back Aaron Wan-Bissaka.

The vast investment has paid off. Manchester United has conceded the fourth-lowest goals against and was fifth in xGA. Their defensive goal conversion rate improved to -0.6.

Harry started all 29 Premier League matches and played all 90 minutes each time; only de Gea matched this feat. In January, he was officially named team captain.

The 26-year-old led the club in clearances and successful pressure percentage. He also assisted in the build-up of play as he was tops in attempted passes, completed passes, pass completion percentage, and second in forward pass distance.

Wan-Bissaka is my Manchester United defensive player of the year

True to his nickname, “The Spider,” the 22-year-old led the squad in tackles, tackles won, dribblers tackled, tackles in the defensive third, passes blocked, and total blocks. He was also second in percentage of dribblers tackled, pressures in the defensive third, and interceptions.

Aaron also pitched in with two assists, led in total progressive passes, and led all defenders in key passes. “The Spider” uses his diminutive size, speed, and tenacity to his advantage on defense and in the build-up of play. Like Rashford, he also has not reached his prime.

As Solskjaer, club legend turned manager, looked for his family to share the victorious moment, he recognized no one. What he had identified was the pieces had finally come together. He became acutely aware that he survived the unfair rumors and unrealistic expectations that come from running the biggest club in England.

He realized that with a stable of young developing talent, his future, now tied to United as it was when he was a player, was like the glaring lights at Old Trafford, bright.