From the opening day highs of West Ham to the immediate grounding against Brighton. The smash and grab points from Crystal Palace, Wolves and Tottenham Hotspur to the Manchester United capitulation and the Everton and Burnley victories on home turf. It’s fair to say it’s been a bit of a rollercoaster ride for United in Bruce’s second season.
Here our writer Liam Kennedy has pored over the ratings from the opening 10 and averaged out the best and worst performers. To get a rating each player must have started at least four of the opening 10 – a rule which cuts out Andy Carroll, Matt Ritchie, Emil Krafth, Ryan Fraser and Ciaran Clark, all of whom have started in the league but less than the required number.
1. Jeff Hendrick - 5.6
The Irishman has really failed to impress since making the switch from Burnley in the summer. It never got better than West Ham for the the midfielder. 8, 6, 4, 6, 6, 6, 6, 4 and 5. Photo: Pool
2. Javier Manquillo - 5.6
It's not been a great season for the Spaniard, despite his best in black and white in 2019/20. 7, 5, 5, 5, and 6. Photo: Pool
3. Miguel Almiron - 5.8
After a positive campaign last season everyone hoped Almiron would kick on this. He hasn't. Not helped by being played in the wrong role, but he would also likely admit himself, that he's failed to impress when given the opportunity. 6, 7, 7, 4 and 5. Photo: DANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS
4. Joelinton - 5.8
A first goal at Palace and his best performance of the season. But still that doesn't make up for a couple of ropey shows earlier in the campaign. 5, 7, 5, 5 and 7. Photo: Pool