Manchester United sit mid-table after a shaky start to the new season with three wins, one loss and one draw.
Manchester United have had a rollercoaster start to the new Premier League, languishing in the middle of the table with three wins, three losses and one draw.
After the club’s worst-ever Premier League season in 2024-25 and a summer whirlwind that cost them more than £200m, there were hopes of an instant hit to ease the pressure on Ruben Amorim.
Victories against Burnley, Chelsea and Sunderland were overshadowed by disappointing defeats to Arsenal, Manchester City and Brentford, and a stalemate at Fulham.
As the second international period of the campaign arrives, Manchester United chief writer David McDonnell takes a look at how United’s squad has performed so far.
goalkeeper
Altai Vaindir 6: He didn’t hide his glory in the defeats to Arsenal and Burnley, but looked even better in the defeat to Brentford. Now it seems like he has lost his place.
Senne Ramens 8: Made a subdued first appearance in last weekend’s 2-0 win over Sunderland and is likely to keep his place for Bindil moving forward.
He controls the area, is comfortable with both feet, has decent ball distribution, and looks like a reliable option between the sticks.
read more: Cristiano Ronaldo signs new contract with Saudi Arabia, becoming football’s first billionaireread more: Manchester United striker target: ‘They should have signed’ bombshell on new transfer
defender
Luke Shaw 6: The start of the season was up and down. The 3-0 derby win against Manchester City resulted in Roy Keane criticizing him for “stealing his life”, but he was outstanding against Chelsea, disappointed again against Brentford, but improved against Sunderland. You need to find some consistency.
Harry Maguire 6: Like Shaw, he had a mixed start to the season. Although he put in a solid performance in the win over Chelsea, he gave up Brentford’s opener in United’s 3-1 defeat and was then on the bench in the win over Sunderland. He has struggled to fill United’s preferred back three position.
Matthijs de Ligt 8: United’s most reliable defender this season, having played in every game so far this season. Whether playing centrally or on the right of a back three, De Ligt’s defensive ability and positional awareness are outstanding features.
Lenny Yolo 7: It is puzzling why he started on the bench against Chelsea and Brentford, but was brought back against Sunderland, given his role as United’s top choice on the right of the back three. He remains calm under pressure and is good on the ball.
Diogo Dalot 6: Started the season at right wing-back and set up Mbeumo’s goal against Burnley, but missed games against City and Chelsea due to injury. He returned to the starting line-up against Brentford, with two of his three goals coming from his side. It’s too contradictory.
Patrick Dorg 5: Despite starting five of United’s seven league games, he is yet to prove himself as a left wing-back. His final shot required effort and despite taking more touches (12) than any other player in the opposition box in the Manchester derby, he was unable to capitalize.
Nousser Mazrou 6: Currently on the injured list and has started just two Premier League games. United certainly feel the absence of his physical presence and ball-playing skills from the back.
Aiden Haven 5: Limited to just three minutes in the Premier League and 64 minutes in the EFL Cup defeat at Grimsby. They are having trouble finding game time due to a lack of equipment.
midfielder
Casemiro 6: In the win over Chelsea, his reckless foul earned him a red card just before half-time and Robert Sanchez’s early red card erased United’s one-man advantage. Amorim does not trust Mainu and Ugarte, so although he is acknowledged, his recklessness in the challenge is worrying.
Bruno Fernandes 6: He didn’t look comfortable or effective being deployed in a deep midfield role alongside Casemiro, rather than his preferred forward position where he could have a big impact on the attack. He has missed two of his last three penalties for United.
Mason Mount 7: After two injury-plagued seasons, could this be the year Mount finally stays fit and can justify his £55m transfer fee?He scored the first goal in the win over Sunderland and received a standing ovation as a substitute following his impressive performance. I need to make sure I don’t get hurt.
Manuel Ugarte 4: Inexplicably, he started ahead of Casemiro in the Manchester derby, but it was too easy for City and he couldn’t protect the defenders. There was a similar story at Brentford. It will be difficult for him to stay beyond this season.
Koby Mainu 5: He has yet to make a start in the Premier League this season, but his loan application was rejected by United. It’s difficult to evaluate a player whose game time is so limited. His fierce touch led to Brentford’s third goal, coming on as a substitute.
forward
Matheus Cunha 6: A slower-than-expected start to life at United after his £65m move from Wolves. He returned to Brentford after being injured against Burnley and won a penalty when Fernandes deflected a cross from Mbeumo. With Mount back, Cunha’s spot is now under threat.
Brian Mbeumo 8: United’s standout signing this summer. He made an immediate impact after joining from Brentford for £71m. His two goals and one assist do not fully reflect his overall contribution, as his speed and diagonal running behind the opposition added a new element to United’s attack.
Benjamin Sesco 7: It took him a while to find his feet, but two goals in the last two games suggest he’s getting there. United played to Sesco’s strengths, with the imposing striker targeting teammates with long balls, while his poacher’s instincts led to goals.
Amad 6: Has struggled to repeat last season’s impressive form and missed the defeat at Brentford due to a bereavement in his family. There were signs of a return to form in the win against Sunderland, and he even came close to scoring.
Joshua Zirkzee 5: The Dutch forward’s opportunities have always been limited due to the triple signing of Cunha, Mbeumo and Sesco, resulting in him making just three substitute appearances in the league.
Join our new MAN UTD WhatsApp community and receive your daily Manchester United content from Mirror Football. Community members also receive special offers, promotions, and advertisements from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can always check out. If you are interested, please read our privacy notice.
Sky Sports Premier League and EFL package discounts
£49
£35
sky
Get the deal here
Sky has reduced the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £336 on their bill and offering more than 1,400 live matches from Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will broadcast at least 215 live Premier League matches next season, with an increase of up to 100 more.
