Manchester United‘s 1-0 win over Newcastle on Boxing Day has left them well in the hunt for a Champions League place.
Despite still not hitting the heights expected of them, the Red Devils are much improved from last season, and sit sixth in the Premier League table, just three points adrift of Liverpool in fourth.
But who has fuelled that tilt at a continental return? And who is holding Ruben Amorim’s men back from achieving even more?
To answer those questions, we’ve turned to our Squawka Score, looking at players who have clocked at least 50% possible Premier League minutes (810 minutes) to decipher who has been Man Utd’s best and worst players this season.
What is the Squawka Score: Our stats-powered player rating system explained
Man Utd’s best three players this season
1. Patrick Dorgu
- Position: Wing-back
- Squawka Score: 78%
He’s not been everybody’s cup of tea at Old Trafford so far, but Patrick Dorgu has the highest Squawka Score of any qualifying Manchester United player.
The Dane’s numbers have been boosted significantly by him grabbing an assist against Aston Villa and a goal against Newcastle in his last two outings as he’s returned to the starting line-up.
However, Dorgu is also in the 80-95th percentile among Premier League wing-backs/full-backs for tackles won (1.92) and big chances created per 90 minutes (0.4), and the 95th percentile for blocked crosses (0.71) and touches in the opposition box (4.64).
Key stat: Patrick Dorgu’s 3.13 tackles per 90 minutes is higher than any other Man Utd player with 810+ Premier League minutes.
2. Amad Diallo
- Position: Wing-back
- Squawka Score: 69%
Amad Diallo has been among Man Utd’s most effective players for a while now, and remains so with a Squawka Score of 69%.
The crazy thing is, the Ivorian has been deployed out of position under Ruben Amorim, operating mostly as a wing-back, rather than an out-and-out winger.
That has shackled his offensive numbers somewhat, but he’s still managed two goals and two assists this season, while he’s second only to Matheus Cunha (2.01) for successful take-ons per 90 (1.57).
Key stat: Amad Diallo is first among Man Utd players for carries into the final third (33).
3. Bruno Fernandes
- Position: Central midfielder
- Squawka Score: 68%
No surprises seeing Bruno Fernandes here.
The Portugal international has five goals and seven assists to his name so far this season — the latter a team-high and the former second only to Bryan Mbeumo (6) — while his successful passes into the penalty area (2.13), shots on target (0.79) and big chances created per 90 (0.49) all place him in the 95th percentile of central midfielders.
Fernandes is now sidelined until late January with a hamstring injury, and Man Utd fans can only hope that it won’t be too costly for them. Because, make no mistake, Bruno Fernandes remains a crucial part of this team.
Key stat: Bruno Fernandes has more direct goal involvements (12) than any other Man Utd player this season.
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Man Utd’s worst three players this season
3. Luke Shaw
- Position: Centre-back
- Squawka Score: 51%
Like Diallo, Luke Shaw has often found himself out of position under Amorim, operating as a centre-back. But unlike Diallo, he doesn’t appear to be enjoying himself.
The England international has a Squawka Score of just 51%, with his aerial duel success (53.7%) and ground duel success (53.16%) both in the bottom 20-40th percentile among Premier League centre-backs and seriously hurting him.
Shaw performs a little better with the ball, with his completed final third passes (3.88) and 47.06% long ball accuracy middle of the pack. But it’s clear he’s much better suited to playing on the flanks.
Key stat: Luke Shaw has an overall duel success of just 53.38% this season.
2. Casemiro
- Position: Central midfielder
- Squawka Score: 49%
There’s been a lot to like about Casemiro this season, not least his four goals and assist — without which, United would be six points worse off and sitting level with Newcastle in 13th.
However, the Brazilian’s Squawka Score is being held back in a few key areas, including 0.17 successful passes into the penalty, 0.26 take-ons completed and 11.91 losses of possession excluding clearances per 90 — all of which rank very low among central midfielders.
Casemiro’s red card against Chelsea and five yellows are also pretty devastating to his score.
Key stat: Casemiro has committed more fouls (23) than any other Man Utd player this season.
1. Leny Yoro
- Position: Centre-back
- Squawka Score: 46%
Leny Yoro has probably seen far more time on the pitch than he’d have liked since joining Man Utd, given he’s still only 20 years old. This season alone, he’s clocked 1,035 minutes in the Premier League.
He may benefit in the long-term, but right now, the Frenchman is not enjoying himself.
No Man Utd player has made more errors leading to shots this season (2), while Yoro is the only player in Amorim’s squad to concede a penalty.
He’s looked nervous and a little out of his depth, and while there is clearly a talented player there, Yoro needs to improve rapidly.
Key stat: No Man Utd player has made more errors leading to shots than Leny Yoro this season (2).