Express Sport rates every single United player based on the season so far.
Manchester United have endured a terrible start to the new campaign
Manchester United have endured a terrible start to the new campaign (Image: Getty)
Manchester United have endured their joint-worst start to a Premier League season, claiming just five points from as many games. It has left them firmly in the bottom half of the table, which is no less than they deserve after failing to beat the likes of Hull City, Everton and Fulham. Their performances have lacked urgency and desire, with their second-half display against Fulham particularly concerning.
As a result, Michael Carrick is under growing pressure to turn things around or risk losing his job, just four months after earning a permanent contract. However, the 45-year-old isn't solely to blame, with a number of United players failing to pull their weight in the early part of the campaign. Some have impressed but the majority have fallen well below the standards expected of them.
Goalkeepers
United's first-choice goalkeeper has shown flashes of quality, but there is definitely room for improvement. He's conceded eight goals in five league games and his only clean sheet was against Sabah in the Champions League.
Darlow's only appearance of the season came in the Carabao Cup defeat to Brighton, where he could have done more to prevent two of their three goals.
Defenders
Unremarkable for the most part, although most of his appearances have been on the left side of defence rather than his favoured right-back role.
Was notably poor in his last two games against Brighton and Fulham but did reasonably well against Ipswich. Every so often, he puts in a good display, but his baseline level isn't particularly high.
Defending large spaces has been an obvious weak point for Maguire in recent outings. He was run ragged against Fulham, with his lack of mobility proving an issue for United at the back.
Has only made two appearances so far this season, against Hull and Brighton, and was desperately poor in both games. Hasn't done enough to earn Carrick's trust.
A very average start to the campaign from the Frenchman, who hasn't been terrible but is yet to deliver any standout performances in defence.
So far this season, the Argentina international has been United's best defender. Performed well against Ipswich and Everton, less so against Manchester City and Fulham.
His only good performance of the season came at Everton. Flattered to deceive against Hull, Ipswich and Fulham and missed a couple of games through injury.
Bruno Fernandes was brilliant against Ipswich but hasn't been consistent enough
Bruno Fernandes was brilliant against Ipswich but hasn't been consistent enough (Image: Getty)
Midfielders
Went missing against Hull but fared better in the victory over Sabah before another invisible display against Brighton. Yet to prove himself as anything more than a passenger in a United shirt.
Relatively consistent across the seven games he has played in all competitions this season. A better option than Santos, that's for sure.
Dreadful against Hull on the opening day but has improved his level since then. Could still be more effective in the middle of the park, though.
A real mixed bag from the captain so far. We awarded him a perfect 10 against Ipswich, but his other displays haven't come close to hitting that same level.
Forwards
Had his best game against Everton, where he scored a brilliant individual goal, but has lacked end product other than that.
Impressed against Brighton but is yet to really make his mark in the Premier League despite flashes of quality here and there.
Did well against Ipswich and Everton but had a stinker at Craven Cottage last weekend. Another case of minimal end product and has looked short of confidence at times.
A dismal showing against Hull, followed up by a string of average performances. Not a particularly good player but his versatility has come in handy so far this season.
Two goals to his name but has gone missing on too many occasions to justify a higher rating. Needs to start performing week after week rather than every so often.
Reprised last season's super-sub role against Everton and has enjoyed a few good performances, but continues to struggle with inconsistency and injuries.
Yet to make a single meaningful contribution, though he has only played 70 minutes of football with all of his appearances coming from the bench. Not good enough for a club of United's stature.
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