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Manchester United are struggling highly with consistency in the 2021-22 campaign. Even the sacking of former manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer hasn't been able to resolve the problems at the club.
The appointment of Ralf Rangnick as their interim manager in November is still a work in progress for Manchester United. With all his technical knowledge and expertise, the German manager is expected to bring a positive change at United.
Manchester United players have to step up
The problems at Manchester United are more than just tactical issues. Some of their top players have failed to turn up on the pitch and as a result, cost loss of vital points.
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For Manchester United to end the season on a good note, it is very necessary that these players step up and bring a change in form. A player like Paul Pogba does deserve to be on this list but with him running out of contract this summer, his future at United remains uncertain. Here, we take a look at the other influential players who need to improve in 2022 for the Premier League giants.
#5 Jadon Sancho
The Englishman was signed by Manchester United from Borussia Dortmund last summer after having to wait an entire year for his arrival. Jadon Sancho is arguably one of the most dynamic youngsters in the football world right now.
The 21-year-old was a delight to watch with Dortmund as he created and scored goals for fun. In his four seasons with the German club, Sancho scored 50 times and registered 64 assists in 137 appearances. Unfortunately, he has struggled to replicate the same form at Manchester United.
The competitive nature of the Premier League has taken its toll on Sancho as he has managed to score just once this season in the league. With his amazing dribbling skills and creativity, the explosive winger will have to be more productively involved for Manchester United this year. If he manages that, it will directly assure the progress of the English giants.
#4 Fred
The central midfielder received a lot of criticism under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer but has been giving better performances under Ralf Rangnick. Fred, with his intense work-rate, tackling and passing abilities, is capable of doing much better.
The Brazilian perfectly suits Ralf Rangnick's playing style with the intensity it demands. Of course, good support from fellow midfielders will help Fred's cause but irrespective of that, he will have to step up.
During his time at Shakhtar Donetsk, the 28-year-old did wonderfully well to be involved in both attack and defense. Fred will have to do the same if he plans to be helpful to the club in 2022.
#3 Marcus Rashford
Manchester United are blessed to have a great talent in Marcus Rashford. The Englishman has an incredible amount of skill under his belt to cause damage to the opposition.
Capable of playing almost anywhere in attack, Rashford's best position lies playing on the left-wing. He has the pace, the trickery to beat players and fabulous technique to score goals on a regular basis.
However, in his 11 appearances this season, the English forward has scored only twice and registered an assist once.
His game currently lacks confidence and composure in the final third. Rashford has at times tried to overdo things that have eventually been unfruitful for him and the club. On his day, he is a very difficult player to contain. The Red Devils will need him to be at his very best this year if they are to be successful.
#2 Luke Shaw
The English left-back was one of Manchester United's best players in the 2020-21 season. Luke Shaw's contribution to the attack, combined with the reliability at the back, made him a delightful player to watch.
The 26-year-old defender has had a season to forget so far. In the first half of the 2021-22 Premier League campaign, Shaw was found guilty of being out of position a number of times. The opposition has used this vulnerability and exploited it more often than not.
Shaw's productivity going forward has also been hampered and he looks like a player lacking confidence. Manchester United need him to be very efficient and reliable at the back to make sure their goals don't leak heavily from the left flank.
#1 Harry Maguire
One of the most disappointing players for Manchester United this season has been their captain Harry Maguire. The Englishman had a very solid 2020-21 campaign and Euro 2020 but seems to have lost his way in the 2021-22 season.
Maguire has been guilty of making some silly errors this season and has resulted in goals for the opposition. The English defender has been uncertain with his approach and has been quite sloppy with his passes. His hesitancy to tackle opposition players hasn't gone down well with the supporters either.
With a quality centre-back partner in Raphael Varane, Maguire can build a solid partnership at the back. With some confidence and consistency, the 28-year-old can bounce back strongly. If he does, his revamped form will definitely help Manchester United finish in the top four of the Premier League.
