Despite Manchester United’s impressive results in recent matches after a very ordinary start to the season, they have failed to dominate their opponents and they somehow managed to scrape through in most of the matches. United are in the sixth position in the Premier League table with 24 points from 13 matches and can realistically aim for a top-four finish at the moment. To their credit, their latest win over Everton was a resounding one.
United beat the Toffees 3-0, with Alejandro Garnacho, Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial all scoring, but it was still not the kind of dominant performance the United supporters were used to watching a decade ago. In fact, Everton had more attempts than United in the match and paid for the profligacy of their forwards.
Let us now take a look at three important Manchester United players, who have not been able to do well this season so far:
Three below-par Manchester United players this season:
Raphael Varane:
Varane has played in 12 matches this season but has not been able to lend much solidity to Manchester United’s defence. The 30-year-old centre-back has had some injury issues, too, but his inability to replicate his Real Madrid form for Manchester United remains a concern for Erik ten Hag.
Varane is not the fastest centre-back out there and the absence of an injured Lisandro Martinez has meant that United’s defence has suffered as a result. The likes of Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof have featured for the Red Devils, but Martinez’s ability to take the opposition forwards on is something that Manchester United has missed. It remains to be seen how the Frenchman performs for the remainder of the season.
Casemiro
Casemiro was one of United’s best-performing players last season, but his performance has seen a significant dip this season. Although he has scored four goals for his club this season, his defensive shortcomings have been exploited by Manchester United’s opponents.
The 31-year-old Brazilian has failed to fall back and play as an auxiliary centre-back for the most part. Like Varane, his former Real Madrid teammate, Casemiro has also probably left his best years behind him and hence, United have had to try various combinations from among the likes of Sofyan Amrabat, Mason Mount, Christian Eriksen and Scott McTominay as the double pivot in their midfield.
However, none of the above possesses the experience and pedigree of the Brazilian. Hence, Casemiro will have to raise his level if Manchester United are to have a realistic chance of finishing inside the top four. It must be mentioned in this context that Kobbie Mainoo’s Premier League debut against Everton was a resounding success.
Marcus Rashford:
None of United’s players has probably been more underwhelming than the 26-year-old Rashford this season. His return of a couple of goals in 17 matches almost defies belief, especially given the fact that he scored 30 goals last season.
It can be said in his defence that Rashford has often had to play on the right flank, as United have often lacked a proper right-winger in the absence of Jadon Sancho and an out-of-form Antony. Still, Rashford has to start scoring goals with better frequency if United are to improve their standing further.