Ten Hag's Man Utd Player Ratings: A Season of Transformation
Erik ten Hag's arrival at Manchester United promised a revolution, and his first season delivered a mixed bag. While the team showed significant improvement, inconsistencies remained. Let's delve into the player ratings, considering their contributions throughout the campaign. These ratings aren't solely based on goals and assists but also encompass overall performance, tactical awareness, and impact on the team.
Goalkeepers
Andre Onana (8/10): Onana brought a much-needed upgrade in goal. His composure, distribution, and ability to sweep up behind the defense were immediately noticeable. While a few costly errors crept in, his overall contribution was excellent. He quickly became a key part of Ten Hag's system.
David De Gea (6.5/10): De Gea's legacy at United is undeniable, but the shift in style under Ten Hag exposed some weaknesses. His distribution, in particular, struggled to adapt to the manager's demands. He remained a solid shot-stopper, though.
Defenders
Lisandro Martรญnez (8.5/10): A revelation. Martรญnez's aggression, tenacity, and ball-playing ability transformed United's defense. His partnership with Varane was crucial to the team's improved defensive solidity.
Raphael Varane (8/10): When fit, Varane offered class, composure, and experience. Injuries hampered his consistency, but his performances highlighted his importance when available. A truly world-class defender when on the pitch.
Luke Shaw (7.5/10): Shaw's resurgence under Ten Hag was a significant positive. His attacking contributions improved, and his defensive solidity was consistently reliable.
Diogo Dalot (7/10): Dalot provided energy and attacking impetus from right-back, although his defensive consistency could be improved. He offers a good balance between attack and defense.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka (6.5/10): Wan-Bissaka's defensive prowess was utilized effectively in certain games, showcasing his strength in 1v1 situations. However, his attacking limitations continued to be a factor.
Midfielders
Casemiro (9/10): A transformative signing. Casemiro's presence provided the midfield steel and defensive stability that United desperately needed. His influence on both attack and defense was immense, becoming an undisputed starter.
Christian Eriksen (7.5/10): Eriksen's creativity and vision were vital, offering a calm head in midfield. His injury in the latter part of the season was a significant blow to the team.
Bruno Fernandes (7/10): Fernandes remained a key figure but showed inconsistencies. His creativity and goal-scoring ability were still valuable assets, but his disciplinary issues occasionally hampered his impact.
Fred (7/10): Fredโs energy and pressing were instrumental at times. While not always the most glamorous player, he provided an important role in the squad.
Scott McTominay (6.5/10): McTominay's physicality and work rate are assets, but his overall influence decreased under Ten Hag's system.
Forwards
Marcus Rashford (8.5/10): Rashford's resurgence was arguably the story of the season. His pace, directness, and goalscoring ability made him a vital attacking threat. A clear standout performer.
Antony (7/10): Antony's direct running and trickery added a new dimension to United's attack. While still developing consistency, his potential is undeniable.
Jadon Sancho (6/10): Sancho's impact was limited by injury and inconsistency. There were flashes of brilliance, but he needs to find more regular form to fulfill his potential.
Anthony Martial (6/10): Martial's injury problems severely restricted his involvement. When fit, he showed glimpses of his quality but lacked the consistency to become a regular starter.
Overall Assessment
Ten Hagโs first season showcased significant progress, but consistency remains a key area for improvement. The teamโs defensive solidity improved markedly, while the attacking flair, although sometimes inconsistent, was significantly enhanced. Several players thrived under the new manager, while others struggled to adapt. The future looks bright, but further strengthening is needed to challenge for the top honours.