United Beyond Manchester

There is no denying that Manchester United had a rough season until the FA Cup Final. That win single-handedly changed the final outlook on the season, but denying the amount of work that is needed is foolish. Despite the issues this season, a few players provided important moments, consistency, and top play that led the team to an FA Cup Title and small wins throughout the season. Below, we take a look at some of those players and recognize their performances.

MVP: Bruno Fernandes

Where would Manchester United be without him? Since joining the club, Bruno Fernandes has scored 79 times and assisted 66 more goals.

This season, the United captain led the way with 15 goals and 13 assists in all competitions. 13 of those G/A came since the beginning of March. When it mattered most, Bruno Fernandes was the one leading the team to success. He was the highest-rated player in the FA Cup Final victory over Manchester City with an 8.0 rating. His no-look assist to Kobbie Mainoo was the moment of the match and epitomized his influence on the team.

2023-2024 was another season of quality and top-notch performances from Bruno Fernandes.

Most Improved Player: Diogo Dalot

He could also get the Most Consistent Player of the season, but Diogo Dalot has been consistently improving over the past couple of years, and this season, he became one of the most important players in the team.

Diogo Dalot played minutes at both left and right back and excelled in both positions. He brings passion to the back line and is able to pump up the players around him. He has always been decent going forward, but he took strides this season in his defensive game.

After starting on the bench in the first two games, Dalot played 90 minutes in every game for the rest of the season. As players fell around him, Dalot became the one fixture in United’s back line.

After talks in recent years of finding a new right back, Dalot has secured his long-term spot in that position.

Young Player of the Year: Kobbie Mainoo

I have run out of words to describe Kobbie Mainoo. His first (half) season with the senior team was nothing short of remarkable, and at 18 years old, he became one of the first names on the team sheet.

Mainoo burst onto the scene and never looked back. He scored his first Premier League goal against Wolves in the 97th minute to win the match. His first-ever Premier League goal won Goal of the Month. His composure on the ball is second to none. This was on display in the penalty he helped create in his England debut.

Mainoo ended the season with a ridiculous performance against Manchester City in the FA Cup Final. The 19-year-old buried a pass from Bruno Fernandes to score what would become the winning goal.

Kobbie Mainoo has a bright future ahead of him in Red, and I am excited to see where he can go from here.

Unsung Hero(es): Scott McTominay and Harry Maguire

This superlative is split into the two halves of the season.

For the first half of the season, Scott McTominay wins the Unsung Hero award. On October 7th against Brentford, McTominay came on in the 87th minute with the Reds down 1-0. The Scot proceeded to score twice in stoppage time to give Manchester United an important 3 points.

Fast forward to December, when United faced off against Chelsea. McTominay again led the charge and scored twice as United won 2-1 again. Two weeks later, McTominay was given the armband, and the Reds held Liverpool to a 0-0 draw at Anfield. McTominay stepped up when the team needed him most and singlehandedly earned the team points multiple times.

As the backline crumbled, Harry Maguire stepped up and played some top football in the second half of the season. Coming off a groin injury, Maguire helped United to four straight wins in February. He scored goals against Fulham, Sheffield United, and Coventry City en route to a solid second half of the season.

I can’t forget about the November he had, either. Harry Maguire was the Premier League Player of the Month for November as the Reds were 3-0-0 with three clean sheets.

Harry Maguire and Scott McTominay were two players who stepped up this season and deserve their plaudits.

Best Signing: Rasmus Hojlund

Many people might say Andre Onana here, but I am focusing on the big picture. As a 20-year-old striker, he managed double-digit goals in the Premier League. He also scored five goals in six games in the Champions League. While these numbers are not what Manchester United needs in a number 9, his age and talent make me believe this is just the beginning.

Hojlund can smash the ball with either foot and has the passion required of any United player. Hojlund had a solid first season in Red, but look out for what he can do in the future.

Academy Player of the Season: Ethan Wheatley

Manchester United’s U18 side was dominant this season, and one of the main reasons was Ethan Wheatley. The striker had eight goals and two assists in his seven appearances for the U18s and scored in the U18 Final against Chelsea. He deservedly made his debut with the first team and managed three appearances before the season ended. Ethan Wheatley has a bright future ahead of him, and I hope to see more of him with the first team next season.