Man Utd Squad Report Card for 2026/27 Season So Far

· GiveMeSport

GIVEMESPORT has graded every Man Utd player's performances this season so far.

As we head into the first international break of the season, Manchester United are in a bit of a mess.

Michael Carrick's side have won just one of their first five Premier League games, against newly-promoted Ipswich Town, while they were eliminated by Brighton in the EFL Cup despite holding a 2-0 lead at Old Trafford, and claimed a dominant 4-0 win over Sabah in their Champions League opener.

Carrick is now under pressure from sections of the fan base and the media as a result of the poor performances on the pitch, while several players are being questioned over their place in the team.

With three weeks now until their next game, GIVEMESPORT has taken a look at every player's performances so far this season and handed out a report card to grade them all...

Senne Lammens - C-

The number one stopper at Old Trafford entered the campaign after making a big error during the World Cup, and he hasn't quite looked back to his best this season. While he has made some important saves, Lammens has kept just one clean sheet in all competitions so far and needs to improve if United are going to continue to progress.

Karl Darlow - D

Darlow joined from Leeds in the summer and has made just one appearance so far, during the 3-2 defeat to Brighton. He should have done better for the first goal in that game but couldn't do much about the other two, and hasn't had a chance to put it right yet.

Diogo Dalot - E

The right-back position has been one that hasn't looked solid for Man Utd for years, and it remains an issue this season. Dalot has struggled to find any sort of form since returning from the World Cup, and looks like he needs to be dropped or at least fight for his place.

Noussair Mazraoui - D-

Dalot's best competition for his place is Mazraoui, but the Moroccan has also struggled to find any regular form when he has featured. Defensively, he is stronger than Dalot, but he offers less going forward, and he has struggled for the most part. An extended run in the team could help, but it's hard to justify when he hasn't been performing.

Luke Shaw - D

The only natural left-back in the squad has had a mixed season, with some okay performances mixed with injury and some poor performances too. His physical conditioning remains an issue, but he also still leaves the back post open regularly despite being in his 13th season at Old Trafford, which is just unacceptable.

Ayden Heaven - D

Young defender Heaven got the nod in the opening Premier League game of the season against Hull City but was bullied by Ollie McBurnie, and hasn't featured in the top-flight since. His next appearance came against Brighton in the cup, where he once again struggled, but his potential is there. It's just clear why he is the fourth or fifth choice at this stage.

Harry Maguire - D

The experienced England international has been first-choice for Carrick since his appointment, but the 33-year-old is struggling for form. His lack of mobility remains an issue, and his passing is slow. With Matthijs De Ligt edging closer to a return to fitness, his place in the side could be in danger.

Leny Yoro - C+

The young defender has been given a chance to ply his trade in a new position during pre-season by filling in at right-back, while he has also got the nod at centre-back in the cup and Champions League and impressed. Yoro has arguably been the best-performing defender this season, and deserves a run in the team as a result.

Lisandro Martinez - C-

The World Cup winner is considered to be the best centre-back at the club by most, and his ability on the ball often covers up for the fact that he has flaws in his game defensively. His performances have been pretty average so far, and Carrick will be hoping that he can step it up a level after the break.

Harry Amass - C

The youngster has been restricted to one very short substitute appearance this season, making it hard to judge him. He didn't do anything wrong in those 18 minutes though, so he earns a positive grade.

Kobbie Mainoo - A-

Mainoo enjoyed an incredible resurgence last season under Carrick, and has returned for the new campaign in excellent form. The England international has won possession more times than anyone else in the Premier League, and his ability in possession makes him a key part of the squad. His performances have largely deserved much more than the team has got.

Youri Tielemans - B-

A £35m arrival from Aston Villa, Tielemans has been paired alongside Mainoo for the majority of the season and has showed his quality. His passing is excellent, and his leadership qualities have shone through. Defensively, the team has struggled, but Tielemans has been good for the most part.

Andrey Santos - D

After completing a £50m move from Chelsea, Santos was looked at by many as the replacement for Casemiro due to his defensive qualities. But the Brazilian has struggled to play regularly under Carrick, putting together just 175 minutes of action. But when he has played, he hasn't looked to be in great rhythm, and needs support to find his best form.

Mason Mount - C

Mount adopted a new deeper midfield role during the summer before suffering an injury, but has returned in decent form. His showing against Sabah was strong, and he found the net playing against Brighton as a No.10.

Bruno Fernandes - C-

The captain is widely considered to be one of the best players in the world and the best at the club, but he has struggled this season. The Portuguese magnifico netted a hat-trick and an assist in the 5-2 win over Ipswich, but he hasn't contributed to anything else in the league. His form is one reason why Man Utd have struggled, and he needs to step it up after the international break.

Patrick Dorgu - D-

Dorgu is considered by Carrick to be a winger option in his squad, although he can play at left-back too. But he was hooked at half-time in the opening game when playing further forward, and his performances at left-back have been far from ideal. He needs to do much, much better.

Shea Lacey - C+

Lacey is one of the most talented young players at the club, and he showed that he can have an impact when he scored against Brighton in the EFL Cup. Aside from that, however, he hasn't had much of an opportunity thus far.

Matheus Cunha - D-

The Brazilian is one of the players who Carrick seems to love no matter what. But he has played more regularly as a centre-forward this season, and his performances have suffered as a result. Needs to step it up.

Marcus Rashford - D

Rashford has returned from Barcelona with a point to prove, and he has been one of the better performers in the attack. But with no goals or assists yet this season, its not enough. The England star has earned his spot in the starting lineup, now he needs to up his output to keep it.

Bryan Mbeumo - C-

Mbeumo continues to be a goal threat for Carrick's side, but his overall play hasn't been the best this season. Despite being signed as a winger, his inability to beat a man with the ball at his feet is a concern, and once Amad returns from injury it's likely he'll be moved away from that position.

Joshua Zirkzee - E

Zirkzee probably shouldn't be at the club anymore, but a deal to take him away never materialised and he is part of Carrick's squad until January at least. The Netherlands international has struggled stylistically, and also struggled for regular minutes in the team. It's no surprise that his grade is low.

Benjamin Sesko - D

Sesko's injuries are becoming a real concern at Old Trafford, with a shin injury meaning he missed the entirety of pre-season. He has proven he can score goals when given chances, but his overall play has been clunky. A lack of minutes means it's hard to grade him any higher.

Michael Carrick - D-

The manager can't get off lightly at this stage either. Carrick was fortunate to get the manager's job because of how well he did last season, but the team is struggling. They aren't running enough, they aren't defending well, they aren't scoring enough, and he seems afraid to make changes. If he doesn't he may not make it to the next international break.

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