Manchester United have had a disastrous season that is finally and mercifully over. After five games and a brilliant start to the campaign, the season tailed off and never got going again. The players were shot of confidence, lacking form, direction and a solution to the struggling performances. As a result, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, United’s most promising manager since Sir Alex retired, was sacked. The timing was all wrong to do it. If they had believed Ole couldn’t get United back on track, there was an international break not a week before his last game to find his replacement. But instead Woodward and the Glazers dismissed the United legend with three huge games to come in the league and Champions League.
Michael Carrick was appointed for those games while the true replacement for Ole was found. Carrick looked like he could have got things back on track with two wins and a draw in a tough week. However, the powers that be deemed he should not take over and appointed Ralf Rangnick instead. This turned out to be nothing short of a shambles. He failed to connect with the players on anything more than a basic level. Refused to remove players who were under-performing, totally lost the dressing room if he ever had it in the first place and was constantly outsmarted and his team was outperformed almost every week. What’s more is he took absolutely no accountability for what has happened this season which shows the same lack of awareness outside of the matches as he demonstrated in the dugout.
Either way, here are the player ratings for this awful season:
Manchester United 2021/22 Player Ratings:
David de Gea 5/10
Undeniably he has made tons of saves this season. Saves that have kept United in games and saves that have won United games. But what he does in shot stopping, he has consistently lacked in every other department. Kicked the ball out of play more than a rugby player. Claimed almost no crosses, many of which led to goals he then later conceded. Glued to his line and forcing United’s high line into repeated waves of panick and vulnerability. So many problems that are not balanced by the one thing he does well. He claims he’s had a good season. But really, the good cannot outweigh the bad, especially if you conceded the most PL goals of any United team, surpassing his own record from 2018/19.
Best Performance: Wolves vs Manchester United 0-1
Worst Performance: Atalanta vs Manchester United 2-2
Moment of the Season: Last minute penalty save against West Ham
Dean Henderson 5/10
Inexplicably has only played three matches this season. It is commonly known that Henderson was lined up as the first choice for the start of the season. However, he contracted COVID and was ruled out of the opportunity. Then he found chances difficult to come across and barely played. It would have been a coup to take out De Gea after being supposedly in his best ever form and none of the managers had relieved the pressure enough to do so. So, Henderson couldn’t play.
Best Performance: Manchester United vs West Ham 0-1
Worst Performance: Manchester United vs Middlesborough 1-1*
Moment of the Season: N/A
Tom Heaton 6/10
Had a brief cameo but has done the job as a cover goalkeeper as best as he can do. Fair play to him.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka 5/10
Struggled for fitness and form at times. However, when he was out of the team, it was clear that United miss him both defensively and in the build up in playing out of a press. I hope he is the fullback that stays at the club.
Best Performance: Wolves vs Manchester United 0-1
Worst Performance: Young Boys vs Manchester United 2-1
Moment of the Season: Last ditch block to deny Trincao against Wolves
Diogo Dalot 4/10
When Rangnick came in, AWB was injured and Dalot came in and impressed originally. However after a few decent games, he returned to his usual tricks and was defensively clueless. Thwacking overhit crosses towards the corner flag and being rinsed by any half-decent winger, Dalot has demonstrated he is not at the United level. If someone comes calling for him, United have to cash in.
Best Performance: Manchester United vs Crystal Palace 1-0
Worst Performance: Manchester United vs Villarreal 2-1
Moment of the Season: Pass to create Fred’s winner against Crystal Palace
Harry Maguire 3/10
A very rough season for Harry Maguire. Rushed back from holiday after a long season, a bad injury and a long EUROs due to Varane’s deal stalling and Bailly once again being injured. Hampered by the lack of steel in midfield and an inactive goalkeeper but certainly hasn’t helped himself. He was trying too hard to be the difference and often it backfired and he was slaughtered for it. I cannot wait for him to bounce back and prove people wrong.
Best Performance: Manchester United vs Leeds 5-1
Worst Performance: Manchester United vs Liverpool 0-5
Moment of the Season: Brilliant equaliser vs Atalanta
Raphael Varane 4/10
Not the best first season. Hampered by injuries and inconsistency. It didn’t help that United were altogether in the pits but he didn’t pull them out and was sucked in with them. I don’t think he played a single game against the top two and only once against Chelsea. He missed big games and it affected United’s season. Hopefully, next year is better and with fewer injuries.
Best Performance: Tottenham vs Manchester United 0-3
Worst Performance: Brighton vs Manchester United 4-0
Moment of the Season: First United goal against Brentford
Victor Lindelof 5/10
Often called upon with Varane and Maguire’s injuries and did a decent job. However, he was no better when things got bad and often escaped criticism with Maguire the whipping boy of the squad.
Best Performance: Manchester United vs Leeds 5-1
Worst Performance: Manchester City vs Manchester United 4-1
Moment of the Season: Assist to Bruno’s hattrick against Leeds
Eric Bailly 2/10
Another dreadful and injury hit season. Even when he played, he never really looked confident and composed. He was all over the place for most the season. He is all but out the door already.
Best Performance: Chelsea vs Manchester United 1-1
Worst Performance: Manchester United vs Manchester City 2-0
Moment of the Season: Playing 90 minutes against Chelsea
Phil Jones 5/10
Glad that when he played he gave his all but those times weren’t that often and it’s time for him to move on.
Best Performance: Manchester United vs Wolves 0-1
Worst Performance: Liverpool vs Manchester United 4-0
Moment of the Season: Starting and playing his first game for 18 months
Luke Shaw 4/10
Another injury hit season. He started well but then the lack of fitness from the rush back got him and he was, just like Maguire, torn apart at times. Lost his place due to injuries and hopefully will be back next season.
Best Performance: Manchester United vs Newcastle 4-1
Worst Performance: Manchester United vs Liverpool 0-5
Moment of the Season: Assisting the winner against Atalanta
Alex Telles 2/10
Telles was brought in to compete with Shaw and quite frankly hasn’t met the requirements. He looked a promising attacking fullback but he doesn’t have the know-how to do anything other than whip a cross in. Defensively, he is atrocious and has to be upgraded on. I can’t see him staying.
Best Performance: Manchester United vs Crystal Palace 1-0
Worst Performance: Arsenal vs Manchester United 3-1
Moment of the Season: Scoring a stunner against Villarreal
Nemanja Matic 6/10
Played too often due to a lack of depth in midfield and was not at the races half the time. His passing was a big bonus for United when Fred or McTominay were injured. He made them play better and played well himself. But he is too slow to deal with onrushing attackers and United were punished for it at times.
Best Performance: Manchester United vs Chelsea 1-1
Worst Performance: Liverpool vs Manchester United 4-0
Moment of the Season: Assisting Ronaldo’s equaliser against Chelsea
Paul Pogba 6/10
Lit the Premier League alight in the first five games but fell off harder than most. 10 goal contributions would seem an impressive feat but unfortunately the performances didn’t match. Brought on to establish control against Liverpool and is sent off almost immediately. Injured for almost four months after international duty. When he came back he barely had an impact and his last match for United, he came off injured after 5 minutes at Anfield where he was partly culpable for being a goal down. Damn.
Best Performance: Manchester United vs Leeds 5-1
Worst Performance: Either Liverpool game
Moment of the Season: Bagging four assists on the opening day
Scott McTominay 6/10
After what was his best season for United, this one has been a bit more disappointing for McTominay. He started well but injured himself early on and it was clear United missed him. When he returned he looked impressive but faltered with the rest of the team. Despite not having the best goalscoring form this season, he still won United the 3rd Round tie against Aston Villa. Not the best season but I don’t doubt he will bounce back and be an integral squad player next season.
Best Performance: West Ham vs Manchester United 1-2
Worst Performance: Brighton vs Manchester United 4-0
Moment of the Season: Match winning goal against Aston Villa
Fred 7.5/10
One of the most improved players of the season. Fred was a workhorse last season but this season he has added a dimension. 10 goals and assists including many match-winning moments. Against Spurs and Atletico Madrid at Old Trafford he truly shone and impressed many. His pressing, aggression and intensity have been things lacking from most of the other squad. He will be a big player next season be it as a squad player or as a starter.
Best Performance: Manchester United vs Tottenham 3-2
Worst Performance: Wolves vs Manchester United 0-1
Moment of the Season: Stunning winner against Crystal Palace
Donny van de Beek 3/10
Not the second season anyone wanted for Donny. When he came into the side he didn’t have an impact, the biggest chance he had was squandered for a red card and so he had to come off. Hopefully the new manager will boost him and he will become the player we thought he would be.
Best Performance: Watford vs Manchester United 4-1
Worst Performance: Manchester United vs West Ham 0-1
Moment of the Season: Scoring against Watford to attempt to start a comeback
Bruno Fernandes 6.5/10
After what was a sensational season last year, this year has been somewhat underwhelming. With the focal point now psued towards Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno has had to take a less integral role and be the creator and less of gthe main goalscorer. Despite this, he has 10 non-penalty goals and 14 assists this season. He has come up with big goals and assists in big moments. I think he really lost his confidence when Ole was sacked and Rangnick didn’t get him playing at his best. Even so he managed to create the most chances in the Premier League and have a big effect on the squad. Let’s see what Ten Hag can get from him.
Best Performance: Manchester United vs Leeds 5-1
Worst Performance: Manchester City vs Manchester United 4-1
Moment of the Season: Opening day hattrick to send United top of the league
Hannibal Mejbri 5/10
Not had many chances but the ones he did he impressed. The Crystal Palace game demonstrated his potential as he didn’t look out of place in the team. Will be one to watch for next season for sure.
Best Performance: Crystal Palace vs Manchester United 1-0
Worst Performance: Liverpool vs Manchester United 4-0
Moment of the Season: N/A
Juan Mata 6/10
Not played much but when he did, he offered something different at least. I expect he will not stay much longer at the club if he wishes to play more.
Best Performance: Manchester United vs Brentford 3-0
Worst Performance: Brighton vs Manchester United 4-0
Moment of the Season: His OT farewell against Brentford
Jadon Sancho 5/10
His first season had two main parts to it. The first one was overcoming the pressure and hype of the transfer to Manchester United. You could tell that he was lacking in confidence in himself but after a while, he overcame that and started looking like the player we saw at Dortmund. However, the next step was acclimating to the Premier League and he hasn’t quite done that yet. He wasn’t consistent and didn’t rack up the numbers either. I don’t doubt there’s a brilliant player there but he needs time like any young player from another league.
Best Performance: Manchester United vs Arsenal 3-2
Worst Performance: Southampton vs Manchester United 1-1
Moment of the Season: Scoring his first United goal at Stamford Bridge
Marcus Rashford 2/10
It’s been a tough old season for Marcus Rashford. On the back of the Europa and EURO final defeats, it’s been a mentally draining and challenging year for Marcus. Especially, attempting to find his form following a 2 month layoff with a shoulder surgery in a team low in confidence and form. Under Rangnick, most of his performances were either as a second striker, a right winger or a substitute. Some of these worked but mostly dropped his confidence even further and made him reportedly contemplate his United career. I hope with a different manager, a better manager, Rashford will redeem himself and get back to the player scoring and creating for fun under Ole. We will find out.
Best Performance: Manchester United vs Arsenal 3-2
Worst Performance: Liverpool vs Manchester United 4-0
Moment of the Season: Last minute winner against West Ham to send United into the Top Four
Jesse Lingard 2/10
Thought after his loan at West Ham that he would have the perfect move away. Unfortunately the asking price wasn’t met and Lingard stayed. He could have been a good squad player and proved that in the impact he had against Newcastle and West Ham, however he never kicked on from then and was again denied a move away due to the circumstances surrounding Greenwood. Now he is released after leaking information all season and causing and claiming upsets in the dressing room. I’ll personally be glad to see the back of him and be frustrated that the board couldn’t get a good fee for him when they could.
Best Performance: West Ham vs Manchester United 1-2
Worst Performance: Manchester United vs West Ham 0-1
Moment of the Season: Scoring the winner against West Ham
Anthony Elanga 6/10
His first full season as a first team player has been full of highs and lows. He has shown a lot of promise but that a lot of work is still needed. He has scored big goals and looked direct and energetic when many weren’t. This season has been a huge learning curve for him and I think he can develop into a top winger. Only time will tell.
Best Performance: Manchester United vs Norwich 3-2
Worst Performance: Manchester United vs Leicester 1-1
Moment of the Season: Big away goal at the Wanda Metropolitano
Anthony Martial 1/10
A second season in a row to forget for Martial. I think he wanted to leave before the summer but is now set to do so for an even cheaper fee. Barely played for United and when he did it was lacklustre. Joined Sevilla and scored one goal and was mostly injured. I doubt he will stay but you never know.
Best Performance: Manchester United vs Everton 1-1
Worst Performance: Southampton vs Manchester United 1-1
Moment of the Season: Scoring his first United goal since February 2021 against Everton
Edinson Cavani 2/10
After being persuaded to stay, Cavani’s second United season has been nothing short of a disappointment. Never available for long enough to get any form, pushed out of the team by Ronaldo and when he did come in it was rarely a good performance. Safe to say there’s no need to convince him to carry on. Damn shame it ended the way it did.
Best Performance: Spurs vs Manchester United 0-3
Worst Performance: Burnley vs Manchester United 1-1
Moment of the Season: Impact in the win over Villarreal
Cristiano Ronaldo 8/10
Overall the team has performed poorly and he has been a part of that. But at 37 years of age, 24 goals is still a fantastic achievement. The goals he’s scored have been big goals, game winning goals, match saving goals, you name it! It’s clear he needs a system that suits him but he has to play his part if he is to stay next season. He’ll have to have energy around him and the patience to wait in the box for the chances. Then, there’s no doubt he will be more successful next season.
Best Performance: Manchester United vs Brentford 3-0
Worst Performance: Manchester United vs Liverpool 0-5
Moment of the Season: Debut double at Old Trafford
