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When you reflect on the number of improvements at Manchester United this season, you will notice that this is one of the club's most remarkable performances in recent years.
The Red Devils are currently one point away from securing a UEFA Champions League spot in the Premier League, and they are also in the FA Cup final. Earlier in the campaign, Erik ten Hag's men lifted the EFL Carabao Cup trophy.
These improvements could be attributed to the manager's pedigree and the performance of the squad in general. However, there are some Red Devils players that have stood out this season.
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Hence, they deserve to be commended for their performance. On that note, this article will look at the top four contenders for the Manchester United Player of the Season award.
#4 Lisandro Martinez
The Argentine joined the Red Devils last summer from Ajax for £56.7 million and his presence has improved the outlook of the defense this season.
Martinez's ball-winning prowess and defensive doggedness have been remarkable. Under his watch in defense in the Premier League this season, Manchester United kept eight clean sheets in the 27 games that he featured in. Similarly, he registered 97 clearances and 33 interceptions in these 27 games.
In the Europa League this season, he helped Manchester United in keeping five clean sheets in 10 games before their elimination in the quarter-finals. Similarly, his partnership with Raphael Varane can be seen as a fruitful one.
This is his first season at the club and given his level of impact, he stands a fair chance of winning the award.
#3 David De Gea
Despite his porous judgements that have cost the club in some important games, the Spaniard has been remarkable in goal, especially in the league this season.
De Gea has registered 55 appearances for the Red Devils this season, conceding 57 goals and registering 25 clean sheets across all competitions. He's also the Premier League's Golden Glove winner.
Given his level of achievement in goal, he stands a decent chance of winning the club's Player of the Season award.
#2 Luke Shaw
It can be stated that the Englishman is one of the most improved players under Ten Hag's reign so far. Shaw has registered seven goal contributions in 45 appearances for the Red Devils this season.
While the number above might not be impressive for a modern-day left-back, it is worth noting that his versatility is one of the reasons why Manchester United's defense has been stable in recent months.
Additionally, Shaw has often thrived as a centre-back in recent months. Hence, he deserves to be commended for his immense improvement.
#1 Marcus Rashford
When you talk about fast, versatile, and tricky forwards in Europe, one of the names that come to mind is Marcus Rashford.
The Englishman has been sensational in attack for the Red Devils this season. His attacking brilliance has seen him score 29 goals and register 11 assists in 53 appearances across all competitions.
His traits, applied in Ten Hag's schemes, have largely added to United's success this campaign. Similarly, he's the club's top scorer this season and stands a good chance of winning the award.
