Now entering the World Cup, this is an opportune time to update our Manchester United Power Rankings for the 2022/23 season.
We published our first Power Rankings of the season at the international break in the season. Since then United have continued to make progress under new manager Erik ten Hag.
United have played 13 matches since, winning 10, losing two and drawing one.
Here is a look at how our latest Power Rankings, including the risers and fallers…
Updated Manchester United Power Rankings
1) Lisandro Martinez (+3)
Manchester United struck gold with Lisandro Martinez when the club signed him from Ajax in the summer. The Argentine has been very consistent and started every game during this recent stretch, barring the Carabao Cup tie.
Martinez has played alongside three different centre-back partners through this period and maintained his high level of performance.
His critics have faded to become non-existent, with United racking up six clean sheets in the 13 matches between the international breaks.
2) Casemiro (New entry)
At our first set of Power Rankings, Casemiro had started only one game for Manchester United. He has since established himself as a regular starter in Erik ten Hag’s XI, starting 11 of the 13 matches.
Casemiro has been playing at a very high level of performance, adjusting to the pace of the Premier League, and demonstrating attacking qualities to add to his defensive nous.
He has been a key part of United managing to keep clean sheets and two of his crunching tackles have led directly to goals, against Everton and Fulham. His headed equaliser against Chelsea was also a highlight.
3) Bruno Fernandes (+3)
Bruno Fernandes has picked up his performance levels and become an even bigger player in Erik ten Hag’s starting line-up over the past few weeks.
His performance in the win over Tottenham was outstanding, and he ends the run with assists in back to back games.
Fernandes’ importance to the Manchester United side was highlighted in the game he missed, a 3-1 loss at Aston Villa.
4) Christian Eriksen (-2)
Christian Eriksen falls from number two to four, through no fault of his own. The Dane has continued to play a key part in Manchester United’s revival, providing six assists for the season.
In the first stretch of the season Eriksen started every game. He has become a more rotational piece since, missing the win over Tottenham with Fred preferred, even though he is still clearly part of United’s best starting XI.
It still seems outrageous that United managed to sign him on a free transfer, it’s one of the club’s best deals in years.
5) Diogo Dalot (-1)
Another outstanding performer, there is a case to be made that Diogo Dalot deserves to be as high as number one on this list.
The only reason he is as ‘low’ as five is due to the sheer quality around him. When it comes to the right-back spot, Dalot’s starting role is undisputed.
Over the past few weeks we have seen Dalot’s defending continue to improve, him make more of an impact in terms of creating chances, and score his first goal of the season.
6) David de Gea (New entry)
David de Gea did not make our initial top 10, this time he truly deserves to be on the list, with his early season error against Brentford feeling like a lifetime ago.
De Gea has been making saves at a very high level, his performance against West Ham was particularly outstanding, and his footwork and quick reactions out the box have also been surprisingly good.
The goalkeeper is giving himself a fighting chance of earning a new deal beyond this season. He now has to keep up his good form and continue his improvement.
7) Marcus Rashford (=)
Marcus Rashford maintains his position on the list, currently sitting as Manchester United’s top goalscorer with eight goals, this is more than double the next player.
Rashford started the recent stretch a little shakily, lacking a cutting edge. He has since rediscovered it, scoring a particularly impressive header to win the game against West Ham, his 100th goal for Manchester United.
His form has earned him a place in the England squad, and it is fully deserved. He also has three assists to his name.
8) Luke Shaw (New entry)
Luke Shaw has reclaimed his place as Manchester United’s starting left-back, which had looked to be won by new signing Tyrell Malacia.
Shaw has looked fresh, motivated, and is making an impact going forward, providing two assists in the past month.
He has admitted that he deserved to be dropped at the start of the season, equally, he has deserved his place and his spot in the England team too. It is good to see him playing well.
9) Raphael Varane (-8)
Raphael Varane was our number one in the previous Manchester United Power Rankings, only to see injury strike midway through the month.
The Frenchman was playing very well up until his latest problem, but this has been the story of his Manchester United career so far.
When he is fit, he is the undisputed starter. We just have to hope he enjoys better fortune in 2023 and does not re-aggravate his problem at the World Cup.
10) Alejandro Garnacho (New entry)
Manchester United wonderkid Alejandro Garnacho deserves his place on this list. He has won two games for the club with his goals already, netting winners against Real Sociedad and Fulham.
He also provided two assists in the win over Aston Villa, and has been voted man of the match by Manchester United supporters four times already.
It looks like United have a star on their hands, and while Garnacho has to keep on working hard and pushing himself, Erik ten Hag could not ask for any more, from the limited opportunities he has given him to date.