The 2019/20 season has been somewhat of a rollercoaster for Manchester United. They have struggled to put together any consistent form, but when they have, they have played fantastic football. Since the arrival of Bruno Fernandes in the January transfer window, things have started to look up. While he has undoubtedly been the best player since joining, Fernandes has not been in Manchester for them long enough, so the question remains, who should win the Manchester United player of the season?
Who Should Win the Manchester United Player of the Season?
While many players have played well during this campaign, there are fewer who have consistently stood out. Injury has taken its toll on United’s team this season, and it has not been easy, but some have stepped in and done the job to perfection.
Candidates for Manchester United Player of the Season:
Marcus Rashford
Probably the most obvious choice, Marcus Rashford has played fantastically this season. The Englishman is their top scorer and has also provided on the assist front. He performances have been consistent, as well as pulling off tricks and flicks regularly and scoring some exceptional goals.
It is clear to see that Rashford has worked on his game since breaking out into the United team over three years ago. The youngster even scored the winning goal in their fantastic comeback victory against Paris Saint-Germain just over a year ago.
Should he win it, he would become the first attacker to do so since Robin van Persie in 2013, which is a testament to how good David de Gea has been since that time.
Marcus Rashford has had a fantastic season, and the only thing stopping him winning the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year award would be his injury for the last two months.
Fred
Fred has had, by far, his best season at United in 2019/20. Since his £47m transfer from Shakhtar Donetsk in 2018, the Brazilian has looked out of place and never properly settled. Despite this, he got a chance at the beginning of this season with both Scott McTominay and Paul Pogba injured.
He looked shaky at the start as a partnership with fellow Brazilian Andreas Pereira was seemingly not working out, but he stepped up in December as McTominay returned to the team. Although McTominay was, once again, injured at the end of the month, Fred continued to play well and has been a midfield maestro for United ever since.
It is rather uncommon to see a central midfielder win the award, however. Since Roy Keane won it back to back in 1999 and 2000, only once has this award gone to someone of the position.
That said, Fred has been one of the Red Devils’ best players this season and seeing him get the award would hardly be a surprise.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka
Aaron Wan-Bissaka has been another fantastic player for Manchester United this season. The English right-back has performed admirably this campaign and is definitely in with a chance of receiving this award.
Wan-Bissaka has demonstrated so much quality for United this season. His defensive abilities are astounding. The Englishman rarely lets anything beyond him with immense tackling ability. Furthermore, he is working on his attacking game and, with improvements there already clearly visible, the former Crystal Palace full-back is a player of the future.
Despite that, he is also a player of the present. Wan-Bissaka has been another of United’s standout performers this season and certainly could win their player of the season award.
He would be only the second full-back to win the prize, with Luke Shaw being the first having won it last year. Defenders win it far less common that midfielders or attackers, but Aaron Wan-Bissaka has shown his class in his debut season at United, and might win it this year.
Anthony Martial
Although he has had rough patches, Anthony Martial has been very good for Manchester United this season. During November and December, the Frenchman struggled. However, before and since, he has been very good.
This campaign, United’s number nine has 11 goals – his joint-highest tally – but having come in fewer games. He has also helped United out with assists, providing three of them, and has gained much confidence since Bruno Fernandes’ arrival, something which has helped him immeasurably.
Martial has not only been good for himself, however. While he struggled with a hamstring injury in September and early October, Marcus Rashford seemed to lose his swagger. His return also saw Rashford get a great boost in form, making it clear that Martial is a vital part of the side.
Anthony Martial has filled in for Rashford since his injury in scoring goals very well, and this contribution has helped. The Frenchman could also win the Manchester United player of the year award, having played extremely well throughout the 2019/20 season.
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