Star man
David De Gea demonstrated just why he is so coveted by the likes of Real Madrid throughout the campaign with a series of unbelievable stops. Indeed, it is almost incredulous just how many points the Spaniard saved the club throughout the season – especially considering their early season wobbles – and ultimately it was he who secured them Champions League football.
Louis van Gaal will almost be forced to reinforce his defence – no matter who he signs in De Gea’s stead if he does indeed leave as is being suggested – as it’ll be hard to replicate his incredible performances this season that have saved the Red Devils’ bacon so often with just a signing between the sticks.
Grade: A+
Young Player of the Year
You can’t argue with Louis van Gaal’s insistence on using the likes of Tyler Blackett, Paddy McNair and co. throughout the campaign to try and plug a few gaps in the United squad this season.
But despite the signing of one of England’s finest young players, Luke Shaw, for a sizeable chunk of the transfer budget, James Wilson is perhaps the only member of both the senior and U-21 squads to accrue enough game-time between the two mediums and having a noticeable impact in both.
Incredibly, United are still to offer Wilson a new contract with his current deal expiring this season. Perhaps it points to the shift in transfer policy of the club to success now, development later as well as the gargantuan amounts Louis van Gaal is expected to spend in the window that they cannot yet guarantee the youngster game-time.
Grade: B
Weak link
Perhaps the flop of the Premier League era. How little impact Falcao had on United after such excitement and mania at his signing on deadline day is frankly laughable.
In fact, it’s almost sad how far the South American fell this season from the pomp of his days at Atletico Madrid and Porto – though not entirely unpredictable given his serious knee injury.
But the trust bestowed in Falcao might have been one of the failed gambles of the season as his torrid time up-front reflected the malaise in the entire United strike force with a barely fit van Persie, James Wilson and Rooney the only viable options in reserve.
Louis van Gaal just has to invest in this problem area – and already has in Memphis Depay – if he wants to really compete at the top level in the next campaign.
Grade: F
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