All 36 players used by Louis van Gaal at Manchester United so far, ranked in order of their performances from worst to best – Arsenal star included…
Louis van Gaal has utilised 36 players since taking over at Manchester United, with injuries ravaging the team and a number of different formations being tested. But which players have impressed so far this season and which players should be shown the door at the earliest opportunity?
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Here are all 36 Manchester United players who have played under Louis van Gaal, ranked in order of their performances under the Dutch manager:
36) Anderson
How the Brazilian is still at the club is a mystery, he has barely been on the pitch and when he has featured he has been unconvincing.
35) Andreas Pereira
Came on as a substitute during the Capital One Cup disgrace against MK Dons and was truly poor.
34) Shinji Kagawa
Shipped back out to Dortmund after a failed spell at United. Wasn’t given a chance this season under Louis van Gaal.
33) Javier Hernandez
Another player who didn’t even get a look in with the new Dutch manager, he sees to be doing well at Real Madrid though.
32) Nani
Playing out of his skin back in Portugal after being sent out on loan, too selfish and lazy for van Gaal’s liking.
31) Jesse Lingard
Was replaced after just 24 minutes on his debut, injury putting an end to his match against Swansea.
30) Michael Keane
Extremely unimpressive, was shipped out on loan to Burnley where he has made just one appearance.
29) Marnick Vermijl
Disappointing during Manchester United’s Capital One Cup exit against MK Dons, may not get another chance.
28) Reece James
Another anonymous member of the Capital One Cup debacle.
27) Saidy Janko
A promising youngster, but his solitary appearance was playing the first half of the 4-0 loss to MK Dons.
26) Nick Powell
Poor in the cup, and was sent out to Leicester City on loan.
25) Danny Welbeck
Solid in pre-season, but did nothing at United during the season before being sold to Arsenal on deadline day.
24) Chris Smalling
Perhaps a little harsh, but his foolish red card against Manchester City has put a massive dent in his season already.
23) Tyler Blackett
The youngster was thrown in at the deep end, and showed his inexperience by getting sent off against Leicester.
22) Tom Cleverley
Cleverley was no where near the worst player at United, but he is also not of the required standard. Loaned out to Aston Villa where he may hope to remain.
21) Antonio Valencia
The Ecuadorian has been remarkably poor this season, and United fans are wondering what has happened to his form.
20) Rafael
Rafael may not have been all that bad during his time on the pitch, but his constant injuries have put pressure on the team.
19) Radamel Falcao
Again, Falcao has not performed badly when given the chance, but considering the money spent bringing him in on loan much more is expected of him.
18) Ashley Young
Young had an absolutely fantastic pre-season, but with Louis van Gaal shying away from wing-backs he has been used sparingly this campaign.
17) Darren Fletcher
Injuries have kept him out yet again, but at 30-years-old he looks to be a little past it at this point. He is certainly not the player he used to be.
16) Paddy McNair
You can’t expect too much from the young centre-back, but he has performed admirably when on the pitch.
15) Adnan Januzaj
Distinctly average so far this season, but has shown glimpses of what he is capable of.
14) Johnny Evans
Evans has been one of United’s best centre-backs when on the pitch, but injuries have kept him out of the side far too much.
13) James Wilson
His few substitute appearances have been decent, and he looks capable of great things for United.
12) Marcos Rojo
He has had a few blips since joining in the summer, but his versatility has been vital during United’s defensive crisis. He will be sorely missed after dislocating his shoulder.
11) Michael Carrick
The Experienced midfielder only recently returned from injury, but has already added a bit of stability to the team.
10) Juan Mata
The Spaniard has seen his starting spot put under pressure this season, and has been linked with a move in January. Despite that he has still provided a number of important goals and assists for the team.
9) Daley Blind
Still finding his feet at the club, but already proving important to the side. Blind will be missed after suffering a knee injury on international duty.
8) Robin van Persie
By Robin van Persie’s standards the Dutchman has been poor this season, but he is still popping up with vital goals for his club.
7) Phil Jones
Arguably one of the players Manchester United have missed most this season when injured, and his return to first team action will be a huge boost.
6) Luke Shaw
After taking heavy criticism from van Gaal at the start of the season for his lack of fitness, Shaw has begun to show why the club paid so much for him in the summer.
5) Ander Herrera
His injury hit Louis van Gaal’s side hard, as he really settled in quickly following his summer acquisition.
4) Wayne Rooney
Despite his red card against West Ham, Rooney has been behaving like a true captain this season and his effort and work-rate has been unrivalled.
3) Marouane Fellaini
In a shock turn of events this season, the big Belgian has been one of United’s stand-out players. He was crowbarred his way into Louis van Gaal’s team, and doesn’t look like leaving soon.
2) Angel di Maria
The Argentine hit the Premier League like a freight train, and looked set to be the signing of the summer earlier on in the season. He has tailed off somewhat recently, but has still outshone most of his teammates this campaign.
1) David de Gea
De Gea has been in unparalleled form this season, and his work between the sticks has made the defensive crisis at United that little bit better. He recently dislocated his finger, and if it keeps him out or has any kind of impact on his performances then Louis van Gaal could have a problem.