Power Ranking Manchester United Players from the 2014/15 Premier League Season
Manchester Unitedย ended the Premier League season in fourth place, but forget all that number-of-points business, it's time to get on with the important matter of ranking each player in order of his contribution!
This is not a purely data-driven ranking. Output is measured against expectation, which is why Angel Di Maria's 10 assists do not put him further up the charts for example.ย Consistency and higher peak performances have to be weighed up against each other, as does the amount of time players have been able to get on the pitch.
The list features every United player to make at least one start who has ended the season with the club.ย
Inevitably, there is also plenty of subjectivity, so let us know what you agree and disagree with in the comments section below.
Let's start at the bottom and work our way up.
23: Victor Valdes
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Victor Valdes made just one start and one brief substitute appearance this season. Therefore, it is no great knock against him that he is at the bottom of this list.
He showed the best and worst of his abilities in the game against Hull Cityโa couple of outstanding reaction saves were offset by some very questionable handling and poor attempts at dealing with crosses.ย
A fine back-up 'keeper to be able to call upon, Valdes' contribution to United's season has nonetheless been minimal.
22: Rafael
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It's such a shame for those of us who are admirers of his, but Rafael has been almost completely sidelined by Louis van Gaal. He had a run of games in the side back in September and October, and he excelled in some of those. For example, his performance against West Ham Unitedย was superb. He provided an assist and was generally his typically tigerish self, making three tackles and four interceptions.ย
Sadly, injury curtailed that run in the team, as it did again when Van Gaal tried to reintroduce him to first-team action in January. He has played just three minutes of first-team football since going off at half-time in the 2-0 FA Cup third-round win over Yeovilย Town on January 4.
It has been a bad season for Rafael, and it is hard to imagine him still being at the club come August.
21: James Wilson
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If this were a list that considered players' potential future impact, James Wilson would be a lot higher. As it is, he has hardly been involved so warrants his lowly spot.ย
There was a period when it looked likely he would feature a good amount, particularly when he started the home game against Liverpool in December.
However, a total of just 349 minutes of league football means he belongs in the lower reaches of these rankings. His goal against Queens Park Rangers and good performance against Liverpool are what prevented him from being one spot lower.
20: Adnan Januzaj
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One of the biggest disappointments of 2014/15 has been Adnan Januzaj's lack of contribution. Rarely favoured by Van Gaal, especially in the second half of the campaign, the youngster has not replicated his impact from last season.
There have been exceptions to his generally poor form. He looked bright against Sunderland at Old Trafford when he replaced Di Maria at half-time. More often than not, though, even when he has played, he has been ineffective and has no goals or assists to his name.ย
It is far too soon to write Januzaj off. More football will help his development, lessening the burden he seems to feel to prove himself whenever he gets a chance. He has made some poor decisions with the ball this season, such as shooting when he should pass, and it is easy to ascribe that to his desire to show he merits a place in the side.
There will be better to come from the Belgium international.
19: Tyler Blackett
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Tyler Blackett has played more first-team football than almost anyone would have guessed if asked in the summer of 2014.ย
With six league starts and five substitute appearances to his name, Blackett has been an important back-up to United's senior defenders. He has not always looked quite ready for the top level, making key mistakes in the 5-3 loss to Leicester Cityย for example.
Equally, though, he has put in a couple of very decent performances, notably againstย Arsenal away in November 2014, when he was effective as part of United's back three.ย
The surprise of his contribution is what has him above the other peripheral squad players whom he has outranked here.ย It will be intriguing to see what the future holds for the youngster.ย
18: Radamel Falcao
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Honestly, 18th may be a little generous in terms of ranking Radamel Falcao's contribution to the season, but he played a lot more than any of the players he is above.
While his four-goal return is way below par, it nonetheless counts as some sort of contribution.ย
Nonetheless, his loan signing has been a failed experiment and led to a bitterly disappointing season. His endeavour and likabilityย have made him a popular figure at Old Trafford, but his output has been appalling and his ranking any higher would be an injustice.
17: Jonny Evans
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It has been another injury-hit season for Jonny Evans. He has come in for plenty of criticism from United fans, and often deservedly so.
He struggled to adapt as Van Gaal changed United's defensive shape and has looked short of confidence.ย
However, it his perennial battle with injury that is the key reason why he is so low on the list. It has made for a very disappointing campaign for Evans.
With Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic leaving the club last summer, this should have been Evans' chance to claim his place as United's senior centre-half. ย Instead, he has started just 12 games in the league, and his future at Old Trafford must surely be in question.
16: Luke Shaw
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Speaking of perennial battles with injury.
It has been a tough first season at United for Luke Shaw. His injury problems have meant that he ranks just 16th in the squad for league-minutes played despite his hefty transfer fee last summer.
However, there has been plenty of promise, which is why he outranks those below him. His performance against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge was outstanding, and if a summer's rest and careful management means he can get his injury issues under control, then 2015/16 promises much for Shaw.
With a fair wind, he could become United's first-choice left-back for a long time to come.
15: Robin van Persie
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Two seasons ago, there would have been no doubt who would have been No. 1 in the equivalent rankings.ย
Robin van Persie's contribution during Sir Alex Ferguson's final season has earned him a place in United folklore for many years to come. However, taken on its merits, this season has been a pretty spectacular flop for the Dutchman.ย
He hasย scored 10 league goals, which puts him second in United's rankings, but half of those came in one six-game purple patch from November to December of last year. Following his goal against Hull City in front of the Stretford End, he seemed to grow in confidence, temporarily finding the best of his unquestionably superb abilities.ย
However, it did not last, and he has scored just twice in 2015. Van Gaal persisted with his selection when he was fit, though, only leaving him out of the side when he was injured. That his injury coincided with United's best football of the season is not good news for Van Persie.
14: Paddy McNair
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If Blackett's level of first-team involvement is surprising, Paddy McNair's has been a complete shock. As many league starts as, and just 70 fewer minutes of league football than, Evans means that McNair has to be considered one of United's most important defenders this season.
Although he has made a few mistakes, the number of assured and confident performances he has given means he is fully deserving of his mid-ranking position in this table. Van Gaal's eye for a young player has not let him down here.
His stunning diving header to save United three points against West Ham United at Old Traffordย on his debut was a particular highlight.
13: Angel Di Maria
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Up there with Falcao for disappointment of the season, Angel Di Maria nonetheless deserves to be significantly higher than El Tigre on this list.ย
Ten assists is double any other United player. His early-season contributions were absolutely crucial, and even when he was reduced to cameos, he still managed to make some kind of impact.ย
However, it is simply not good enough for a player of his quality. While 10 assists is nothing to sneeze at, his inability to command a first-team place for much of the latter part of the season means he cannot be ranked any higher than this.
Much better will be needed from El Fideo next season.
12: Marcos Rojo
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Marcos Rojo has been a lot of fun to watch.ย
Sadly, he has missed a good amount of football because of injury, but when he has been on the pitch, his all-action style and calmness in possession make him very entertaining.ย
He has displayed good leadership qualities too, notably when playing alongside McNair during the youngster's debut. Rojo talked to McNair all the way through that game, guiding and encouraging him as the Northern Irishman excelled under the spotlight.ย
It has been a debut season that promises much going forward.
11: Antonio Valencia
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Van Gaal might argue that Antonio Valencia deserves a spot higher up this list. After all, he has played a huge amount of league football for United this seasonโthe third most of anyone in the squad.ย
He has positive qualities as a full-back in his manager's system. He is very safe in possession of the ballโhis 89.5 per cent pass completion is second only to Michael Carrickย in United's squad this season.ย
He makes a lot of tackles too, more so on average per game than anyone else in the squad.
However, it is too often clear that he is not a natural full-back.ย
His safety in possession is also maddening on occasion, as he chooses a simple pass rather than taking on a defender. This predates Van Gaal, too, so it is not a by-product of the philosophy.
An upgrade is needed in his role. It has been a middling season from Valencia. He outranks Rojo by one spot thanks to how much more football he has played than the Argentinian, but he does not belong any higher up the list because he has so rarely excelled.
10: Phil Jones
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The photograph above will be the iconic image of Phil Jones' 2014/15 season.ย
No other player in United's squad, perhaps even in the Premier League, would have parlayed a slip into a floor-height diving-headed tackle as well as Jones. No one could ever fault him for his commitment.ย
However, it has been another injury-hit season. It has also been another season in which he has looked to be a mistake waiting to happen. Often, he possesses the ability to cover for his own errors with a last-minute challenge or by winning the ball back after losing it, as he did a few times against Hull City on the final day. But the mistakes are still there.
He needs to add certainty and calm to his inelegance to be ranked higher next time out, but he has shown enough of his natural defensive talent this season to warrant a top-10 position.
9: Marouane Fellaini
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Maroaune Fellaini has done better than most would have predicted this season. His six goals have come in some crucial games at some crucial times, so his contribution has been significant.ย
However, he has also had games in which he really struggled to influence the outcome, particularly during United's limp end to the season, as managers followed Jose Mourinho's lead and instructed their defenders mark him closely.
The big positive from Fellaini has been his goals, but the fact that he has not produced as single league assist is a knock against him, especially given that he has played in an advanced role for much of the campaign.
Better than expected, then, but still not a world-beating season from the big Belgian.
8: Daley Blind
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Daley Blind and Fellaini were in a close battle for this No. 8 spot, and Blind won out by virtue of having fewer poor performances.ย
His worst games have come in midfield against teams that counter-attack quickly or press hard. The worst example of that was against Everton at Goodison Park, wherein Blind was completely ineffective at stopping Everton.
His best games have came at left-back, where he was extremely effective during United's best run of form of the season. His performances against Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa at home were particular highlights.
He has played well in midfield too, especially against weaker opposition at home. The Queens Park Rangers and Sunderlandย games both featured passing masterclasses from Blind.
A good first season from a player who should be a useful part of United's squad for many years to come.
7: Juan Mata
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As much as Fellaini and Blind were close in the battle for eighth, so Juan Mata and Wayne Rooney were close in the battle for sixth. Mata fractionally loses out because Rooney has three more goals and notched one more assist.
Mata, though, ran his captain close. Although there were times when he struggled, particularly when Van Gaal used him in deeper areas of midfield, his season sprang dramatically to life when he moved out to the right.
His display against Liverpool at Anfield not only contained United's goal of the season but was also one of the best all-round performances from any United player during Van Gaal's first season in charge. He ran the game from what his manager famously described as a "false right-wing" position, relayed by the Guardian.
At his best, Mata is a joy to behold and a huge asset to the squad. If a more suitable role had been found for him earlier in the season, he would be even higher in this list.
6: Wayne Rooney
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United's captain has not had a particularly impressive season. He edges Mata and gets sixth by virtue of being United's top scorerโalthough that has hardly been a fiercely contested battle.ย
Used in a variety of positions, he rarely had a good game in midfield,ย Newcastle United at home being the exception. Much was made of United's improvement when Rooney was shifted further up the pitch, but he has scored just three goals in the past 12 gamesโhardly an impressive return.ย
He has generally done a fine job as captain, keeping a calm head on all but a couple of occasions. His team-mates and his manager have spoken highly of his influence, and that has been a positive.ย
United can reasonably expect better out of Rooney, though, and if he has the same kind of season next time out, it will be interesting to see how Van Gaal reacts.
5: Michael Carrick
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Michael Carrick would probably be higher up this list if he played more. He has played the fewest minutes of anyone in the top 10, but he deserves his relatively lofty spot because of how much better United have been on the pitch with him than without.ย
It is too convenient to suggest that United's collapse in form at the end of the season was down to Carrick's absence, but it did coincide precisely with his injury.ย
That Carrick was an excellent match for Van Gaal's system was no surprise. His metronomic passing and ability to shield the back four all fit perfectly when United moved to 4-3-3 with Carrick at the base of midfield.
He also provided a goal and a couple of assists, although this remains a metric that warrants improvement.
All in all, it was a fine season from Carrick wherein his absence emphasised his importance. Given he is now 34, this is something Van Gaal will have to address in the summer.
4: Ashley Young
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In relative terms, Ashley Young had an absolutely remarkable season. There is an enormous gap between what was expected of him and what he has achieved. Played all over the left side of the pitchโat left centre-back, left-back, left wing-back, inside-left and outside-leftโYoung was a willing soldier for his manager.
He has embraced his responsibility as an important part of Van Gaal's squad.
In absolute terms, though, Young's season would be more accurately described as "very good." Two goals and five assists is decent rather than outstanding.
He nudges ahead of Carrick here because played a good deal more football than his former England team-mate.ย
He is so high up the charts because he almost never let his manager down. He was provided a dynamic outlet on the counter-attack and fit in well to United's possession-based approach too. In defense, he was fearless and hard-working.
A better season than anyone would have expected, then, and even in spite of that, he still had a very good campaign.
3: Chris Smalling
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Another player whose high ranking here would have been a surprise if it had been suggested in summer 2014.ย
Smalling deserves to be in the top three. He was United's best defender and grew as the season progressed, attracting plaudits for his leadership and defensive nous.
Smalling's season has been written about in more depthย here, but for his consistency in the second half of the season, for the way he bounced back from his red card at Manchester Cityย and for how important he has become to United, he deserves his ranking.
Indeed, it was touch and go as to whether he would grab second spot.
2: Ander Herrera
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In the end, though, second spotโand the award for best outfield-player was well earned by Ander Herrera.ย
Inexplicably overlooked by Van Gaal for a stretch during the middle of the season, Herrera became an ever present as the season has progressed.
His numbers demonstrate his all round contribution in midfield. Six goals and four assists, the fifth-best key-pass-per-game average, the second-most tackles per game on average and the fourth-best pass-completion average. That pass-completion average has been earned from the highest average number of passes of anyone who has played exclusively in midfield this season.
Numbers aside, he is a superb player to watch. Calm in possession, dangerous in the box and determined in defence, he has adapted his game to the Premier League superbly. The best thing about it is that it is easy to imagine an even better season next time out, assuming he is part of a better-balanced team.ย
So congratulations are in order for Herrera, but of course, this season, the No. 1 spot could not possibly go to an outfield player.
1: David De Gea
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As he was last season, David De Gea has been voted Fans' and Players' Player of the Season. The well of superlatives quickly runs dry when describing De Gea's contribution. His season has been analysed in more detail here, but in summation, that contribution can be neatly summed up in one word: crucial.ย
De Geaย hasย been absolutely crucial to United and kept them in games they looked like throwing away, changing the course of matches with key saves. He has improved remarkably in his ability to control his box, both in the face of aerial threats and one-on-one situations. Losing him this summer would be a huge blow.
It is very much to be hoped that a goalkeeper will not win United's Player of the Season awards next term, but this time around, there could be no doubt.ย
The No. 1 spot deservedly goes to United's No. 1.
All advanced statistics per WhoScored.com.
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