Manchester United 21/22 Season: Old Boys Saved the Club From Further Embarrassment
By Varun Aithal
Manchester United’s Best, Worst, and Most Promising
Player of the season: David de Gea
This was a tough selection between the Spanish shot-stopper and the Portuguese talisman, Ronaldo. However, David de Gea wins the Manchester United Player of the Season hands down because of his contribution between the sticks.
Barring two games (one Carabao Cup and a Champions League game), David de Gea featured in all the games for the Red Devils. In 46 games, he had 148 saves to his name, averaging 3.21 saves per game.
Signing of the season: Cristiano Ronaldo
The Red Devils signed three players in the summer transfer window and none in January. The summer transfer window saw Man United finally complete the purchase of Jadon Sancho from Borussia Dortmund; he arrived along with Raphael Varane from Real Madrid. The window also saw the homecoming of Cristiano Ronaldo.
When all the forwards had a dull season, Ronaldo racked up goals and assists. In 30 Premier League games, United’s top scorer scored 18 goals and had three assists. Also, he had six goals from seven Champions League outings. The 37-year-old was crucial in keeping Manchester United in contention for a top-four spot for the duration of the campaign.
Flop of the season: Marcus Rashford
The Old Trafford outfit endured a turbulent time this term. The club saw the sacking of OGS, Mason Greenwood lose his professional career, and injuries to multiple players. However, one player who disappointed fans the most was Marcus Rashford.
After the missed penalty in the Euro 2020 Finals, the English forward went under the knife for his shoulder sugery. His first game came in the eighth GW and he looked sharp and even bagged a goal on his return against Leicester City. Added to this, he had three goals in four games across all competitions but it all went downhill for him after Matchday 10 of the Premier League.
In January, the player looked like the better version of himself by scoring goals in two consecutive games. However, it was a mere glimpse his best version and a goal drought begun. He missed several games in the middle of the season due to injury and poor form. Rashford will hope to return strong under Erik ten Hag in 2022/23.
Unsung Hero: Anthony Elanga
In the absence of Mason Greenwood and the constantly poor form of the forwards, Anthony Elanga stepped in and stepped up for the side.
The 19-year-old filled the void left by Greenwood, starting 13 games in the Premier League alone. In these games, he contributed with 4 G/A. He also scored a crucial equalizer in the Champions League Round of 16 against Atletico Madrid at Wanda Metropolitano.
(Stats via fbref.com)