Cristiano Ronaldo, Marcus Rashford: 5 players Manchester United will rely on most to secure top-four

Manchester United will have to turn up if they want to secure top four (Image via Sportskeeda)
Manchester United will have to turn up if they want to secure top four (Image via Sportskeeda)

#3 David De Gea

David De Gea has been criticised despite his good performances
David De Gea has been criticised despite his good performances

David De Gea has been Manchester United's custodian, literally and metaphorically. David De Gea has stood tall against all adversities for the Red Devils. But there have been chinks in his armor, and the criticisms have also followed.

De Gea has looked at his best again in the current season. But he hasn't been free of criticism as many believe that Dean Henderson should start ahead of him. But it's tough to keep someone like De Gea out when his save-game has been on top.

De Gea's main point of criticism has been his sweeping abilities, as many fans believe he should be closing opponents down better. Whatever the case may be, he is still Manchester United's number one. He will play an essential role if United wish to secure more points in the coming days.


#2 Bruno Fernandes

Bruno will look to score more this season
Bruno will look to score more this season

Bruno Fernandes has been Manchester United's talisman over the last couple of seasons. The Portuguese has been arguably the most influential signing in the post-Ferguson era. Since switching from Sporting CP, he has played an important role and has often carried the club single-handedly.

Fernandes has not only been a leader on the pitch but has also contributed to the goals and assists when required. At the end of the 2020-21 season, he broke the Premier League scoring record for most goals from midfield. But the current season has seen a somewhat dimmer Fernandes.

In the 30 appearances, he has managed to score seven goals and make 12 assists. But Fernandes has done better in the past, and a reinvigorated Bruno will help Manchester United's cause.


#1 Cristiano Ronaldo

Manchester United managed to orchestrate the most romantic homecoming when the club reacquired Cristiano Ronaldo last summer. More than a decade on from his initial departure, the Portuguese magnifico is back at Old Trafford. To an extent, the transfer has lived up to its hype.

But a set of fans have countered the signing, saying that Ronaldo's signing doesn't fit into Manchester United's strategy. His unwillingness to defend in low blocks has been used as a criticism against him. However, Ronaldo has also scored several important goals, especially in the Champions League.

Cristiano Ronaldo has made 26 appearances across all competitions this season. He has scored 14 goals and made three assists, but somewhere, expectations from him are higher. A stellar Ronaldo could galvanize Manchester United's claim to the top four berths.

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Edited by Diptanil
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