The season is only just over a month old but a lot of games have already been played, even with the several fixture postponements Manchester United have had.
After a desperate start, Erik ten Hag has turned the ship around with four straight league wins to see his side fifth in the table. A number of players have been key in the revival, stars who have now been charged with keeping up their good form.
However, the story is not the same for everyone. A season of promise has quickly turned into a campaign of frustration with a lack of game time for a handful of United stars.
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Winners
Marcus Rashford
Arguably the biggest turnaround made by a United player so far this season, Rashford has netted three times in his past four games and looks to have his confidence back. He’s now ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo in the centre-forward pecking order and there is debate over whether he gets ahead of Anthony Martial when he returns from injury.
Christian Eriksen
After an unstable first few outings, Eriksen has shown everybody why Ten Hag signed him. His link-up play from a deeper role has proved to be fluid, evidencing that he is the perfect glue between the defence and Bruno Fernandes.
Tyrell Malacia
The Dutch full-back had hardly put a foot wrong since replacing Luke Shaw at half-time against Brentford. Malacia ’s fearlessness against both Mo Salah and Bukayo Saka has demonstrated his top-tier abilities.
Jadon Sancho
The winger already has two goals to his name, both of them crucial in the Liverpool and Leicester wins. Ten Hag clearly likes his adaptability to play on the left and right and he finally looks to be getting into his stride at Old Trafford.
Losers
Donny van de Beek
He would have dreamt of a perfect reunion with former Ajax boss Ten Hag in the summer but that has not been the case so far. After playing in every pre-season game, Van de Beek has failed to start a single match this season and will now have to battle all of Fred, Casemiro, Eriksen, Fernandes and Scott McTominay for game time.
Luke Shaw
Shaw hasn’t had a look-in since being replaced by Malacia at Brentford. He’s only just returning from yet another injury but the season is looking ominous for the once first-choice left-back.
Harry Maguire
The England defender has lost his place to Lisandro Martinez and doesn’t look like he’ll be getting it back anytime soon but for injury. Sitting on the bench is not a good look for a United club captain.
Cristiano Ronaldo
United have lost both games Ronaldo has started this season. While the service he has been given during his outings has not helped his quest, his lack of a goal nearly six weeks into the season will be eating away at him.
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