Manchester United duo Bruno Fernandes and Luke Shaw were the only players from Erik ten Hag’s squad to make the top 100 list.
Gone are the days when every position at Manchester United would be filled by a world-class player.
Nowadays, United supporters would face an uphill battle to argue that Erik ten Hag‘s squad even has a handful of the world’s best players.
It is hard to argue against Bruno Fernandes being the best player at Old Trafford, although United’s captain has been in torrid form lately.
Luke Shaw’s injury record at United is the only thing stopping him from becoming a truly world-class player. When available, he is easily one of the best left-backs in world football.
READ MORE: Jose Mourinho’s record-setting pace shows up Erik ten Hag embarrassing Man Utd 2024/25 season
Bruno Fernandes and Luke Shaw named in 100 best players
FourFourTwo compiled their list of the 100 best players in world football, based on current ability but also historic achievements.
Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior was their “unanimous pick” for top spot, and there was only space for two United players.
Luke Shaw ranked at 86th on the list and was described as “one of the best in the Premier League”.
They added: “Although injuries remain a thorn in his side, on his day Luke Shaw remains a high-quality left-back. Athletic and possessing an excellent left-foot, England suffered without him at the Euros, Shaw only returning for the final against Spain.
“His defensive positioning and excellent energy levels make him one of the best in the Premier League.”
Fernandes ranked higher than his United teammate, but only climbed as high as 60th on the list.
“Bruno Fernandes has endured some difficult periods at Manchester United, not helped by a lack of stability on and off the pitch,” they wrote.
“But he has, for the most part, been his team’s standout player, racking up double figures in goals and assists every season since he joined the club in 2020.”
Man United stars deserve honourable mentions
Based on current form, only two United players making the top 100 is realistic, but United still have multiple players on the verge of being world-class.
If it wasn’t for his inconsistency across seasons, Marcus Rashford would easily find his spot in the top 100.
The 26-year-old scored 30 goals and assisted 11 as recently as the 2022/23 season – that is a better output than Madrid’s Vinicius Junior who now finds himself on the brink of the Ballon d’Or.
Andre Onana also deserves a mention. Despite his rocky start at Old Trafford, the 28-year-old starred in Inter Milan’s run to the Champions League final in 2023.
Onana has been United’s MVP this season and is currently leading the race for the Premier League Golden Glove. Not bad for a goalkeeper in an underperforming side.
from United In Focus https://ift.tt/jyct8IY