From a possible 12 points, Man Utd has earned six thus far in the Premier League.
Before the international break, Manchester United has had a mixed bag of results.
After finishing third last season and winning a trophy, the club did well in the market, bringing in Andre Onana, Mason Mount, and Rasmus Hojlund for a total of £180 million. On transfer deadline day, United signed four more players, including Sofyan Amrabat, who was on loan from Fiorentina.
Back-to-back victories at home against Wolves and Nottingham Forest were not entirely convincing, and Erik ten Hag’s team has now lost twice in North London. Last month, despite being defeated by Tottenham, United did have a few encouraging moments against Arsenal.
Ten Hag will undoubtedly reflect on the campaign’s successes and failures while his star names are abroad representing their respective countries in other locations. Following are the top three winners and losers:
Andre Onana: Despite a few unanswered questions, the goalkeeper is a much better fit for Ten Hag’s system than De Gea could ever be, even taking into account the long-serving Spaniard’s accomplishments during his twelve seasons with the club. The Cameroonian international’s return has been smooth and poised with the ball at his feet, and once he adjusts correctly, Onana should prove to be a wise £47 million purchase.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka: Perhaps the best performer for United in their opening four matches. Defensively, there has never been a concern for the ex-Crystal Palace right-back. It was always his attacking output that raised eyebrows, but a match-winning assist for Raphael Varane vs Wolves will have done no wonders for his confidence. Settling on his first-choice right-back was a dilemma for Ten Hag, but Wan-Bissaka has that shirt locked down.
Marcus Rashford: After a slow start to the season, Rashford has appeared reenergized since switching back to his preferred left-hand position, and United should get the most performance out of him there. He scored the game-winning goal against Arsenal with a classic strike in transition after Christian Eriksen found him with (normal) precise accuracy. The key factor determining their chances will be how the Academy graduate fits in with Hojlund.
Anthony Martial: The 27-year-old’s preseason preparations were disrupted by injury, and he was poor in any games he was able to participate in. Against Arsenal, Hojlund may have accomplished more in his 23 minutes than Martial did in the 67 minutes he was given. When their best players return from their latest round of international travel, that alteration to the starting XI looks all but guaranteed.
Donny van de Beek is an elderly man. Since Van de Beek’s desired transfer to United three years ago, things haven’t exactly gone as planned. Since the club did not find a buyer for him when he was deemed surplus to requirements this summer, the former Ajax playmaker has one more option until the January transfer window opens. Turkish clubs that are still active in the market have not yet expressed any interest, thus United is waiting.
