Ranking Manchester United's Top 5 Players for November 2015
Manchester United were unbeaten in November, with three consecutive wins followed by two draws in succession.
In spite of these relatively decent results, fan discontent remains high. The style of play has much to answer for on that front. Rarely has the manner of the victory been particularly impressive, and the 0-0 home draw against PSV Eindhoven was a particular low point.
But in spite of the justifiable complaints about United's soporific approach, who have been the players who have contributed most to United's cause over this unbeaten streak?
It is not an easy choice. There have not been five who have been consistently impressive—barely anyone played well against PSV for example.
For that reason, no one makes the "nearly" list—pickings are so slim that Ander Herrera got closest thanks to his assist against Watford despite playing just 34 minutes of football.
And speaking of a lack of consistency, it is interesting to note that only one of these players made the list at the end of October. Injuries and the vagaries of Louis van Gaal's selection policy are partly responsible for that, but so is the ebb and flow of individual form.
Let's take a look at November's top five.
5. Jesse Lingard
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Jesse Lingard had a very good start to the month. He provided a vital and brilliantly executed assist against CSKA Moscow at Old Trafford, lifting a volleyed pass into the six-yard box for Wayne Rooney to break the deadlock.
He then broke the deadlock himself against West Bromwich Albion, curling a fine finish in from the edge of the area when the Baggies' rearguard finally made an error.
He would be further up the list were it not for some less effective games following hot on the heels of those.
He was bright and lively against Watford, but missed a crucial chance at 1-0 which would have made the afternoon a lot more comfortable for United.
Against PSV, he missed a couple of presentable chances. He does not warrant particular blame for United's failure to win that game—the side did not create enough clear-cut chances—but the fact that he was unable to make a telling difference costs him a couple of places here.
Lingard's arrival into the first team has been one of the most enjoyable things about this season so far—long may it continue.
4. David De Gea
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Perhaps a more ordinary goalkeeper would be higher up this list, but David De Gea's base level of brilliance is so high that he makes very good goalkeeping seem run of the mill.
United's defence has been mean all season. The only goals De Gea conceded in November were from a penalty and a striker in Premier League record-breaking form.
He also pulled off a save that was astonishing even from him. Against Watford, Almen Abdi's second-half shot was deflected off Chris Smalling so close to De Gea that the Vicarage Road crowd had begun to celebrate the goal by the time the goalkeeper got to it. His reaction-based change of direction was truly extraordinary.
There has been some implication that he could have done better for Jamie Vardy's goal at the King Power Stadium, but he faced the Leicester striker with no support from his defence whatsoever and the finish was extremely well executed. In general, he has remained one of United's most important players.
How thankful Van Gaal should be for the last-minute collapse of De Gea's move to Real Madrid. For his consistent level of performance and the one moment of genuine magic against Watford, he pips Lingard to fourth place.
3. Daley Blind
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Daley Blind has quietly become one of the success stories of the season so far at Old Trafford.
Initially, Van Gaal's decision to play his compatriot in central defence seemed questionable and seemed to be primarily aimed at adding extra guile on the ball to United's back four. However, Blind has—for the most part—handled the defensive side of the game superbly.
He has not been at fault for any of the goals United conceded in November and has remained assured and forward thinking in possession—often looking for a killer ball from the back.
He has been assigned corner-taking duty—promoted from player standing waiting for a short corner to fire in an outswinger to actual taker of corners. That has borne fruit. Bastian Schweinsteiger's goal against Leicester was United's first in the league directly from a corner assist since David Moyes was in charge.
It was no surprise either, as Blind's corners had looked a significant improvement on his colleagues' almost from the moment he was given them.
His assist was not his only contribution against Leicester—he also made five tackles, more than any other United player, and registered a further key pass.
He has had a good month, without a bad game, and he belongs here in a solid third place.
2. Bastian Schweinsteiger
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Bastian Schweinsteiger has been absolutely vital to United this month. Perhaps his lofty placing on this list is effected by the fact that his biggest contributions have arrived late in the month and are thus fresh in the mind.
Even if that slightly skews the placement, his impact in November has been very significant. There was the goal against Watford—it is in the record books as an own goal, but it was earned through Schweinsteiger's insistence and determination.
That is up there with Anthony Martial's stunning goal against Liverpool in terms of enjoyable moments of the season so far. It has been a very long time since United scored an injury-time winner, and it was celebrated with fierce abandon.
The same qualities of insistence and determination were both on show for his goal against Leicester too, arriving at a similarly well-timed moment just before the end of the first half. Schweinsteiger had tried to grab the team by the scruff of the neck after Vardy's goal, barking out instructions and encouragement from the middle of the park.
He was able to make the telling contribution with his headed equaliser, and United earned an important point.
Schweinsteiger made his presence felt in November, and for his two crucial goals—or at least one and a half—he sits in second place.
1. Chris Smalling
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The standout candidate for United's player of the season by a long way, Chris Smalling climbs one place from No. 2 last month to earn a well-deserved top spot here.
Smalling's performances have been consistent and virtually mistake-free for much of the season, and November has been no exception.
Not everyone is impressed. BT Sport pundit Michael Owen claimed (h/t Manchester Evening News):
"With Manchester United this year and Chelsea last year, everyone was raving about John Terry’s performances last year and now everyone raves about Chris Smalling.
I could play centre-half when I’ve got Schweinsteiger, [Morgan] Schneiderlin, two full-backs that don’t move and wide players that really do a good shift.
"
Not for nothing did Manchester Evening News describe Owen's view as "bizarre." He is plain wrong if he thinks Smalling's success is the result of an easy ride. As ITV Sport noted: "Smalling has a more impressive tackle success rate, wins more tackles per match, pulls off a greater number of interceptions and wins more aerial duels than he did last season."
In the absence of Michael Carrick and Wayne Rooney against Watford, Smalling captained United, something which just looks increasingly right.
His organisational ability has been shown in how effectively the back four have functioned as a whole, and his individual performances remain of a high standard.
In a season light on attacking high points, at least United fans can celebrate their defence, and Smalling's rise to prominence has been an important factor in their success.
All advanced statistics per WhoScored.com except where otherwise stated.
