In spite of boasting one of the strongest squads in the Premier League, the 2016-17 season was a mixed bag for Manchester United. The club, placed 6th went on a 25 match unbeaten streak only to find themselves still 6th when they were finally beaten. And despite having an embarrassing number of attempts at goal, managed to drop points to the likes of Burnley and Stoke.
Reflecting reality, Manchester United boast a strong squad on FIFA 17 too, where stars like Paul Pogba, David de Gea and Zlatan Ibrahimovic have a supporting cast boasting the likes of Juan Mata, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Wayne Rooney and Marcus Rashford. Thus, one does not expect such a team to disappoint in the way the Red Devils have done this season.
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On the bright side, the Red Devils have managed to win a treble of sorts with the League Cup, Community Shield and Europa League triumphs on the back of some solid team and individual performances. These performances are likely to result in rating upgrades for players who have exceeded expectations this season. Here we list five such Manchester United players who will receive rating upgrades in FIFA 18
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#1 Antonio Valencia
The winger turned right-back has re-invented himself under Jose Mourinho this season. After the dull, one paced Louis van Gaal days, the Jose Mourinho way has been a breath of fresh air (compared to the Dutchman, yes) and the Ecuadorian has bought into it completely. His work rate and commitment to the cause was never under scrutiny but he has built on that work ethic with some commanding performances this season.
A constant presence up and down the right flank, Valencia has been impressive in attack as well as defence this season. Vital to the team, he was also the first choice right-back in the team that went on to win the Europa League – helping United secure a place in the Champions League next season.
The 31-year-old’s performances eventually saw him win the Player’s Player of the Year Award in Manchester United’s end of the season honours; breaking David de Gea’s three-year streak in the process. In FIFA 17, Valencia was rated at 82 after a lifeless season under Louis van Gaal but after this season’s significantly improved performances, expect the Ecuadorian to be given a rating of around 84-85 in the upcoming instalment.
#2 Eric Bailly
Jose Mourinho is known for preferring a strong spine to his team anchored by a defensive totem and to fulfil this criterion at Old Trafford, he chose Villarreal’s, Eric Bailly. Purchased for a sum of £30 million, the 23-year old was the Portuguese’s first signing for Manchester United and what a signing he has been!
The Ivorian’s 25 Premier League appearances have seen the Red Devils keep 12 clean sheets and Bailly make 60 tackles whilst recovering the ball an astounding 172 times in those matches. He has also been a safe outlet for the ball in defence with all of 0 errors leading to goals and an average of 35 passes per match.
Bailly has displayed the characteristics of an all-around defender who can tackle as well as play the ball in a way which often exceeds his FIFA 17 rating of 83. After an impressive 2017 campaign, we expect EA to increase Bailly’s ratings by at least 2 points to a total of 85.
#3 Ander Herrera
Louis van Gaal never looked completely convinced by the Basque midfielder’s abilities, but Jose Mourinho’s complete faith in Ander Herrera seems to have brought out the best in him. The 27-year old has been a dynamic presence in the middle of the park for Manchester United, putting in hardworking performances punctuated by moments of footballing flair.
While Herrera had been impressive all season, his performances went largely under the radar until his pièce de résistance on Eden Hazard in Manchester United’s win over a Chelsea side that had dominated the league all season. With Herrera in the middle of the park alongside Paul Pogba and Michael Carrick, it looked like Manchester United had finally sorted out their chronic problems in central midfield.
The Spaniard has enjoyed a gradual rise in FIFA ratings over the years and has developed into a world class midfielder. Rated at 82 in the beginning of FIFA 17, his had risen to 84 in the last update. We expect a 3 point rise over his base FIFA 17 rating of 82 in the upcoming version of the game.
#4 Marcus Rashford
One of the few positives of the Louis van Gaal era was the emergence of teenage striker Marcus Rashford who, in his first few games managed to score against two of Manchester United’s biggest rivals in Manchester City and Arsenal. His golden streak continued all season with the young Englishman also managing to score on his England debut and ending the season as one of the Red Devil’s go to men.
The youngster started the 2016-17 season with a hot streak, albeit playing down the left flank. His output cooled for a period stretching from December to March but he stepped in admirably when Zlatan Ibrahimovic was ruled out for the season. Now playing in his favoured striker’s role, Rashford was back to being a menace to defences in the Premier League and abroad and made a significant impact when the club needed him most.
This season, the 19-year old has shown a resiliency and maturity in his performances that is far beyond his years. His searing pace and skill are a deadly combination for defences and he is only bound to get better with age. Rated at 78 in FIFA 17, the ability he has shown in the bygone season is enough for him to cross the 80 barrier and be rated at a level of around 80-82.
#5 Sergio Romero
The Argentina international was a man without a club when he was signed by Manchester United. Having been a starter in the Argentina squad that made that World Cup final in 2014, it was expected that Romero would at least give David de Gea a tough fight for the Manchester United starting spot. Unfortunately, Romero looked shaky and uncertain whenever given the opportunity and it was soon clear that David de Gea was certainly the safer pair of hands.
However, under Jose Mourinho, Sergio Romero seems to have been given a new lease of life, something which he has taken full advantage of. Appointed the Europa League goalkeeper, Romero has shown good form and a good set of reflexes to help United to the title, which led them to the holy grail of Champions League qualification.
Romero has helped the Red Devils to a title as a part of one of the stingiest defences in the Europa League. HIs current rating of 80 is an underestimation of his abilities as a player and FIFA 18 should see him rated higher after what must be a satisfying season. Expect Romero to be given a rating of 82-83 after winning the Europa League as Manchester United's first choice in the tournament.
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