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Have Manchester United hit rock bottom? They’ve finished 6th, played some of the worst football the club as ever produced and look a team in genuine disarray. They’ve hired a manager no one is convinced about, they’ve got players on £350k-a-week who don’t play and they’re expecting a clear-out like no other in the coming months.
The club pay notoriously high wages and haven’t got the best out of the players earning these premium payments. The squad have had their integrity, commitment and quality questioned over the year, made only worse by the fact that they had such a strong three months with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at the beginning of his temporary tenure, showing the footballing world that they are capable of delivering much more than they do.
After such a sad and sorry campaign, who this season has really earned their wages over the year…?
[snack_break title=”Goalkeepers”] David De Gea (£10,400,000 p/y)
He’s had his shakiest season since his first in England, with errors leading to goals in vital games against Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City. It’s been a torrid end to the season, but he’s delivered many stellar displays that have saved United as well.
Has he earned his wage?: Just about
Sergio Romero (£3,640,000 p/y)
Arguably the best back-up goalkeeper in England, and maybe deserved a chance to start in the league considering De Gea’s form. He did well when called upon.
Has he earned his wage?: Definitely has
Lee Grant (£1,560,000 p/y)
Made no appearances in the league, but earns a modest wage and ultimately someone has to be third choice!
Has he earned his wage?: Just about
[snack_break title=”Defenders”] Victor Lindelof (£6,240,000 p/y)
Has been the standout defender, despite Luke Shaw winning United’s player of the year. He’s looked composed, dominating in the air and sure of himself despite playing in a shambolic defence.
Has he earned his wage?: Definitely has
Eric Bailly (£4,160,000 p/y)
After a promising first season at the club, Bailly’s development has halted and that trend has continued this year. He’s fallen down the pecking order and was used unsuccessfully at right-back in the famous win in Paris, his performance being the only negative from the night.
Has he earned his wage?: Definitely not
Phil Jones (£3,900,000 p/y)
Jones has been unfortunate throughout his Old Trafford career, enduring injury after injury and rarely enjoying a prolonged run in the first team. Perhaps this can excuse his poor form, but nevertheless he has delivered displays way below par and is often subject of huge criticism from the fans.
Has he earned his wage?: Definitely not
Chris Smalling (£4,160,000 p/y)
Similar to Jones in that he’s endured injuries, and at times this season we have seen moments of class. He was very good in Paris and did a good job containing most of the Barcelona threat at Old Trafford, but these odd decent performances are undermined by really poor turnouts as well.
Has he earned his wage?: Definitely not
Marcos Rojo (£4,160,000 p/y)
Another defender who’s not stepped up. Limited opportunities have maybe caused that form, but has he ever been consistently brilliant for the side?
Has he earned his wage?: Definitely not
Ashley Young (£6,240,000 p/y)
In all fairness, he’s passionate, works hard, plays whatever positions he’s asked to fill into and gives his all. This is what Man United fans are wanting from all their players, only Young has lacked the quality to accompany all these great traits.
Has he earned his wage?: Just about
Diogo Dalot (£1,300,000 p/y)
A very encouraging young player who’s shown a lot of maturity and certainly looks one for the future.
Has he earned his wage?: Definitely has
Luke Shaw (£7,800,000 p/y)
He’s supposedly been United’s best player this season, but that’s not saying much. He’s done ok, but as the season’s withered away so have his good performances.
Has he earned his wage?: Just about
Antonio Valencia (£4,420,000 p/y)
Has hardly figured due to injury, but probably wouldn’t have been the answer to United’s defensive problems anyway. He leaves with love from fans for his brilliant service over ten years.
Has he earned his wage?: Definitely not
Matteo Darmian (£2,340,000 p/y)
Same as Valencia in that he wasn’t able to even challenge for a right-back spot, a position that three others couldn’t hold down successfully themselves. This shows how rated he is at the club, though some believe he maybe deserved more of a chance to prove himself this season.
Has he earned his wage?: Definitely not
[snack_break title=”Midfielders”] Paul Pogba (£15,080,000 p/y)
In some ways his goal tally would suggest he’s contributed plenty this season, and he’s definitely shown glimpses of his class. However, over a whole season have his performances been up to scratch for £290k-a-week? Few would argue he’s matched expectation.
Has he earned his wage?: Definitely not
Juan Mata (£8,320,000 p/y)
He does no wrong when he plays, but he hasn’t been the difference for them either. He tries hard and give his all, popping up with the odd important goal.
Has he earned his wage?: Just about
Jesse Lingard (£3,900,000 p/y)
He works hard, is passionate about the side and has the ability to score a great goal or make a decisive pass in key moments, however we don’t see it enough. You feel Lingard has to be playing his best football to impact a game, and that if he’s not quite at it he can go missing.
Has he earned his wage?: Just about
Andreas Pereira (£1,560,000 p/y)
Young, exciting prospect who’s already shown he can win points for United when it’s not quite happening for them.
Has he earned his wage?: Definitely has
Fred (£6,240,000 p/y)
Another signing who’s not really hit the ground running. We’ve seen encouraging displays from him though, and he’s not done too much wrong – he’s suffered from the lack of quality around him.
Has he earned his wage?: Just about
Ander Herrera (£5,980,000 p/y)
He’s captain material and it’s such a shame that he’s leaving, but he exits as one of many upcoming departures who can truly keep his head held high. Tenacious, committed and intelligent, and should have been tied to a long-term contract.
Has he earned his wage?: Definitely has
Nemanja Matic (£6,240,000 p/y)
Not been up to scratch, looks slower and more immobile as the games go by. Under Solskjaer he enjoyed a temporary return to form, but injuries haven’t helped the process.
Has he earned his wage?: Definitely not
Scott McTominay (£520,000 p/y)
He’s the lowest earner in the team and he’s been the best player in the last few weeks and months. Strong footballer who’s shown his ability to perform to a good level against the best.
Has he earned his wage?: Definitely has
[snack_break title=”Forwards”] Alexis Sanchez (£18,200,000 p/y)
I’m struggling to remember a signing on a bigger wage who’s been as disappointing as the Chilean. One Premier League goal all season is farcical and the money he’s on may as well be poured down the drain.
Has he earned his wage?: Definitely not
Romelu Lukaku (£9,360,000 p/y)
He still manages to score the odd goal, but his overall performances haven’t been up to scratch and you feel he lacks the mobility and hunger to lead the United XI up the pitch. A poor second season for Lukaku, though he has certainly improved under Ole.
Has he earned his wage?: Definitely not
Marcus Rashford (£2,340,000 p/y)
He was the shining light in Man Utd’s season for a long time, and showed his nerve and maturity stepping up to score his club’s third goal. However, his form has dipped massively, potentially due to an injury. For the small wage he’s on (compared to other big six players), and considering his age, he’s easily done his part.
Has he earned his wage?: Definitely has
Anthony Martial (£5,720,000 p/y)
Sometimes he looks like a world beater, and arguably in terms of potential and ability, he’s United’s most dangerous player. We don’t see it enough though and fans seem to be growing impatient with the Frenchman. He’s shown his quality on occasion this season though, and being a forward he’s probably let down by the supply behind him.
Has he earned his wage?: Just about
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