Erik ten Hag’s first few months at Manchester United have already seen several major highs and lows.
The opening two matches, which resulted in losses to Brighton & Hove Albion and Brentford, led fans to worry about what was in store under the newly appointed Dutchman. While things have largely smoothed out since then, Premier League defeats against Manchester City and Aston Villa have been tough watches for supporters, while slipping up and finishing second in the Europa League group was also a bitter pill to swallow.
Yet, home wins over Liverpool, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur have shown early signs of the team Ten Hag is trying to build, while the 4-2 Carabao Cup victory against Villa just prior to the break produced a hugely entertaining second half.
It means United head into the World Cup break knowing they’ll return with a home EFL Cup tie against Championship side Burnley on 21 December. The Red Devils are also still in the Europa League but face a tough two-legged affair against Barcelona in February, with the winner set to progress to the last-16 of the competition.
Meanwhile, United are fifth in the table and trail fourth-place Spurs by three points, although they do have a game in hand on Antonio Conte’s men. With the Red Devils’ next three league games coming against Nottingham Forest, Bournemouth and Wolverhampton Wanderers, there’s every chance they could push ahead of Tottenham when club football resumes.
With all that mind, we’ve rated United’s players from the first section of the season. We’ve given a rating out of 10 to every first-team squad member who has played over five matches in 2022/23. That does not include the likes of Martin Dubravka, Tom Heaton, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Brandon Williams, Phil Jones, Axel Tuanzebe, Zidane Iqbal, Facundo Pellistri and Charlie McNeill.
Here’s how we rated the players…
5. Lisandro Martinez- 8
Perhaps United’s best player this season. The centre-back’s physical approach has endeared him to supporters and, although he’s had some erratic moments, has largely impressed this term.
6. Raphael Varane- 7
His partnership with Martinez resulted in United’s best run of form this season. Varane had a commanding influence in the team when playing, although he missed the last few weeks through injury.
7. Luke Shaw- 7
Played well in October and November after a tough start to the campaign. Shaw has been good defensively and going forward.
8. Tyrell Malacia- 6
Started well but had a few tough displays against City and then Omonia Nicosia at the start of October, and lost his place in the side from that point on.