Football is a sport that thrives on talented individuals who can single-handedly turn the tide of a game. Manchester United, one of the most storied clubs in football history, has always been known for its exceptional players. In the Premier League 2022/23 season, five players stood out among the rest, showcasing their skills, determination, and impact on the team. Let’s delve into the world of these remarkable athletes who have left an indelible mark on the footballing landscape.
Bruno Fernandes: The Midfield Magician Dominating Manchester United
Bruno Fernandes, aptly dubbed as the “Midfield Magician,” has emerged as an instrumental figure for Manchester United. At 28 years old, this Portuguese maestro has taken the football world by storm, mesmerizing fans with his creativity, vision, and exceptional goal-scoring ability.
Standing at a height of 179 cm and favoring his right foot, Fernandes possesses a remarkable passing range that allows him to pick out teammates with pinpoint accuracy. Whether it’s a defense-splitting through ball or a perfectly weighted cross, his precision and vision on the field are second to none. His ability to contribute both goals and assists has elevated him to the upper echelons of modern football.
In the 2022/23 season, Fernandes played a total of 37 games, starting each one of them and playing the full 90 minutes. He showcased his scoring prowess by finding the back of the net 8 times, while his Expected Goals (xG) stood at an impressive 9.33. With a scoring frequency of 415 minutes per goal, he consistently makes an impact for his team.
Fernandes averages 2.5 shots per game, with 0.9 of them on target, displaying his threat in front of goal. He has an impressive goal conversion rate of 9% and has been successful in converting 8 goals with his right foot. While he is yet to score from free kicks, his contributions from inside and outside the box have been noteworthy, with 7 goals from inside the box and 1 goal from outside.
As much as Fernandes excels in scoring goals, his ability to create opportunities for his teammates is equally impressive. He has provided 8 assists in the 2022/23 season, with an Expected Assists (xA) value of 10.73. With an average of 3.3 key passes per game, he constantly unlocks defenses and creates big chances for his fellow players.
Fernandes’ impact on the game goes beyond just scoring and assisting. He boasts an average of 68.4 touches per game, showcasing his involvement and influence in Manchester United’s build-up play. His playmaking abilities are complemented by his consistency, as he maintains an impressive passing accuracy of 78%. Whether it’s accurate passes in his own half, the opposition half, long balls, or chipped passes, Fernandes displays exceptional technical skills and decision-making.
Defensively, Fernandes contributes with an average of 0.7 interceptions, 1.8 tackles, and 1.0 clearances per game. He showcases his intelligence by positioning himself well to break up opposition attacks and regain possession for his team. Despite his attacking prowess, he remains committed to his defensive responsibilities.
It’s worth noting that no player is without weaknesses, and Fernandes has had his fair share of challenges. He has been dribbled past an average of 1.1 times per game and has committed a solitary error that led to a shot. However, his strengths far outweigh these minor setbacks.
Off the field, Fernandes exudes leadership qualities, driving his teammates and elevating the overall performance of Manchester United. His high pressing, playmaking abilities, and consistency make him a force to be reckoned with.
Strengths:
- High pressing
- Playmaking abilities
- Consistency
Casemiro: The Defensive Enforcer Bolstering Manchester United
Casemiro, the Brazilian enforcer, has cemented his position as a defensive powerhouse for Manchester United. Renowned for his strong tackling, exceptional positional awareness, and ability to disrupt opposition attacks, Casemiro has become an invaluable asset to the team. His tenacity and physicality in midfield provide a sturdy foundation, complementing the attacking prowess of his teammates and contributing to Manchester United’s success.
In the 2022/23 season, Casemiro played a total of 28 games, starting in 24 of them and averaging 76 minutes per game. While his primary focus lies in defensive duties, he has also made his mark in the attacking third, scoring 4 goals. With an Expected Goals (xG) value of 3.42, his goalscoring prowess often exceeds expectations. Casemiro maintains a scoring frequency of 532 minutes per goal, displaying his impact on crucial occasions.
Casemiro’s offensive contributions extend beyond goals. He averages 1.2 shots per game, with 0.4 of them on target. While his goal conversion rate stands at an impressive 12%, his focus remains on anchoring the midfield and protecting the backline. With 2 goals coming from inside the box and 2 from headers, his aerial ability and positioning add an additional threat in set-piece situations.
Defensively, Casemiro excels in multiple aspects of the game. He wins an average of 6.4 total duels per game, showcasing his determination and ability to assert his dominance. In ground duels, he succeeds in 4.4 challenges per game, boasting a success rate of 52%. Aerially, he wins an impressive 2.0 duels per game, with a success rate of 65%. Casemiro’s physicality and aerial prowess make him a formidable opponent in both defensive and attacking scenarios.
In terms of ball retention and discipline, Casemiro showcases his professionalism. He loses possession an average of 13.0 times per game, emphasizing his commitment to maintaining control and limiting turnovers. However, his aggressive playing style results in an average of 1.7 fouls per game, a testament to his determination to win the ball back.
Casemiro’s contributions to Manchester United haven’t gone unnoticed, as his performances have occasionally led to disciplinary actions. He has received 7 yellow cards, highlighting his no-nonsense approach to defending. While he hasn’t been shown a yellow-red card, he has received 2 red cards throughout the season. These incidents showcase his uncompromising nature and willingness to push boundaries in pursuit of victory.
Lisandro Martínez: The Agile Defender Guiding Manchester United
Lisandro Martínez, the talented Argentine defender, has emerged as a crucial figure for Manchester United. At 25 years old, he possesses a unique set of skills that make him a valuable asset to the team. With his ball control and prowess in ground duels, Martínez showcases his ability to provide defensive stability while contributing to the team’s build-up play.
Standing at a height of 175 cm and favoring his left foot, Martínez brings a level of agility and versatility to Manchester United’s defensive line. In the 2022/23 season, he played a total of 27 games, starting in 24 of them and averaging 78 minutes per game. While his primary focus lies in defensive duties, he managed to find the back of the net once, displaying his goal-scoring ability when given the opportunity. Additionally, his Expected Assists (xA) value of 1.01 highlights his involvement in initiating attacking moves from the back.
Martínez’s ball control is one of his standout strengths. With an average of 68.5 touches per game, he exhibits composure and confidence on the ball. His accuracy in passing is impressive, maintaining an overall passing accuracy of 87%. He excels in delivering accurate passes both in his own half (93% accuracy) and the opposition half (76% accuracy). Martínez also showcases his ability to distribute the ball effectively with an average of 2.5 accurate long balls and 2.6 accurate chipped passes per game.
Defensively, Martínez demonstrates his astuteness and ability to read the game. He makes an average of 1.2 interceptions and 2.0 tackles per game, contributing to Manchester United’s defensive solidity. His quick and agile nature allows him to win ground duels consistently, with a success rate of 65%. He also displays aerial prowess, winning 51% of his aerial duels. Martínez’s defensive contributions extend to clearances, averaging 3.6 per game, ensuring the team’s safety at the back.
Martínez’s ability to retain possession is noteworthy, losing the ball an average of 8.1 times per game. His discipline is commendable, committing only 0.8 fouls per game while being fouled 0.4 times. His low fouling rate indicates his ability to defend effectively without resorting to reckless challenges.
Luke Shaw: The Renaissance of a Left-Back Star at Manchester United
Luke Shaw, the immensely talented left-back, has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent seasons, establishing himself as one of the premier players in his position on a global scale. Shaw’s exceptional performances have solidified his status as one of the best left-backs in the world, showcasing his unrivaled skills on both ends of the pitch. With his dynamic runs down the flank and pinpoint crosses, Shaw constantly poses a formidable threat to opposing defenses. Moreover, his defensive attributes have witnessed significant improvement, allowing him to excel in both attacking and defensive responsibilities. Shaw’s relentless work rate and unwavering passion for the game make him an invaluable asset to Manchester United.
At 27 years old, standing at a height of 178 cm, and favoring his left foot, Shaw brings a wealth of experience and versatility to Manchester United’s squad. Throughout the 2022/23 season, Shaw featured in a total of 31 games, starting in 30 of them, and averaging an impressive 82 minutes per game. In addition to his defensive contributions, Shaw managed to find the back of the net on one occasion, showcasing his goal-scoring instincts and ability to contribute to the team’s attacking endeavors. With an Expected Goals (xG) value of 1.11, Shaw consistently proves himself as a significant threat in the opposition’s penalty area.
Shaw’s impact on the offensive end extends beyond scoring goals. He has provided crucial assists, with a tally of 2, while boasting an Expected Assists (xA) value of 2.88. This underlines his vision, creativity, and ability to set up scoring opportunities for his teammates. Shaw’s average of 79.5 touches per game further demonstrates his involvement in the team’s build-up play.
One of Shaw’s notable strengths lies in his passing ability. With an average passing accuracy of 86%, he displays great precision in his distribution. This accuracy is evident both in his own half, where he boasts a passing accuracy of 90%, and in the opposition half, where he maintains an accuracy of 77%. Shaw’s proficiency in long balls is evident with an average of 2.0 accurate long balls per game, providing an avenue for verticality in Manchester United’s attacking play. His ability to deliver accurate chipped passes, averaging 1.9 per game, further showcases his technical skillset.
Defensively, Shaw has grown into a reliable presence for Manchester United. He averages 1.2 interceptions and 1.8 tackles per game, demonstrating his ability to read the game and make timely challenges. Shaw’s tenacity and determination are evident in his ability to win an average of 4.6 total duels per game, with a success rate of 56%. Whether it be in ground duels, where he boasts a success rate of 53%, or in aerial battles, where he wins 61% of his duels, Shaw consistently displays his defensive prowess.
In terms of maintaining possession, Shaw loses the ball an average of 12.6 times per game, emphasizing his commitment to taking risks and contributing to the team’s attacking play. His discipline is notable, committing an average of 1.5 fouls per game, showcasing his ability to defend effectively without resorting to excessive challenges.
Marcus Rashford: The Dynamic Force Energizing Manchester United’s Attack
Marcus Rashford, a prodigious talent nurtured within Manchester United’s ranks, continues to captivate football enthusiasts with his breathtaking speed, mesmerizing dribbling skills, and clinical finishing abilities. Rashford’s capacity to outmaneuver defenders and create goal-scoring opportunities out of thin air has transformed him into a nightmare for opposing teams. His versatility allows him to thrive in multiple positions, making him an invaluable asset in Manchester United’s attacking arsenal. Furthermore, beyond his on-field exploits, Rashford’s remarkable humanitarian efforts have endeared him to fans worldwide, highlighting his character and influence beyond the boundaries of football.
At just 25 years old and standing tall at 187 cm, Rashford possesses a potent blend of physicality and agility. His preferred foot is his right, which he employs masterfully to bamboozle defenders and unleash powerful strikes on goal. Throughout the 2022/23 season, Rashford showcased his immense talent in a total of 35 games, starting in 32 of them, and averaging an impressive 83 minutes per game.
Rashford’s impact in front of goal cannot be understated. With an impressive tally of 17 goals, he consistently finds the back of the net, showcasing his clinical finishing abilities. His Expected Goals (xG) value of 15.47 further underscores his proficiency in converting scoring opportunities. Rashford’s scoring frequency of 170 minutes and an average of 0.5 goals per game are testament to his consistent goal-scoring prowess.
Shooting is one of Rashford’s greatest strengths, with an average of 3.1 shots per game. He tests the goalkeeper with 1.4 shots on target per game, making him a constant threat in the opposition’s penalty area. Rashford’s goal conversion rate of 16% exemplifies his ability to convert chances into goals. He has a keen eye for goal from various positions, as evidenced by his 15 goals from inside the box and 2 goals from outside the box. Additionally, his versatility is reflected in his distribution of goals, with 3 scored with his head, 3 with his left foot, and 11 with his preferred right foot.
Beyond his goal-scoring prowess, Rashford’s contributions extend to creating opportunities for his teammates. He has provided 5 assists, demonstrating his ability to unlock defenses and set up scoring chances for others. With an Expected Assists (xA) value of 2.75, Rashford’s vision and creativity are evident in his ability to deliver key passes and create big chances for his teammates.
Rashford’s impact is not limited to offensive contributions. Although his defensive statistics are modest, averaging 0.2 interceptions, 0.6 tackles, and 0.4 clearances per game, his presence and work rate off the ball cannot be overlooked. He possesses an innate ability to win possession, with an average of 0.7 possession won per game. Furthermore, Rashford’s remarkable dribbling skills are exemplified by his success rate of 43% in one-on-one situations, averaging 1.5 successful dribbles per game.
In terms of duels, Rashford displays determination and resilience, winning an average of 3.3 total duels per game with a success rate of 39%. In ground duels, he boasts a success rate of 40%, while in aerial battles, he triumphs in 33% of his duels. Rashford’s tenacity and commitment to the team’s cause are further evident in his possession lost per game, averaging 11.3, as he takes risks to push the team forward.
Catch you in the next one.