Summer Signings Proving To Be Hits

In the summer, Jose Mourinho introduced four new signings into his Manchester United squad.

The boss landed each of his priority acquisitions and brought Eric Bailly, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Paul Pogba into the club. At the turn of the year, the latter three of those players were shortlisted for December's Player of the Month award. The other, Bailly, scooped the prize at the first attempt when being voted August's star man.

Bailly is currently absent due to his Africa Cup of Nations commitments with Ivory Coast, but has already done enough to endear himself to the Reds faithful with his powerful performances. Mourinho hailed the centre-back's speed following the dramatic win over Middlesbrough and he has quickly adapted to the Premier League.

On 9 November, The Daily Telegraph published a list of the biggest flops of the summer window. Entitled 'The 10 Biggest Summer Signings Who Have Flattered To Deceive This Season', it ranked Mkhitaryan number one after the Armenian struggled to earn a place in the team. Less than two months later, the intelligent schemer has showed the class most observers knew he possessed in abundance.

Mkhitaryan has bagged three sensational goals, including the scorpion kick against Sunderland, but adds so much to the team. The ovation he received when preparing to take a corner in the win over the Black Cats highlighted the fans' affection for a player who has quick feet in tight spaces and, crucially, appears able to turn on either side and instantly pose questions of defences.

If it was perhaps understandable why the signing of Mkhitaryan was being questioned by The Telegraph, it was more surprising that Pogba was in fourth spot on their list. As I wrote in September, I felt the Frenchman would be at his best around the winter period and he was certainly exceptional in the final games of the year. With a world-record fee on his head, he was always going to be a target for the naysayers and I recall Middlesbrough's fans were calling him a waste of money before he headed the late winner.

If he had enjoyed more luck in front of goal - the number of times he's hit the woodwork has been frustrating - then Pogba would be gaining even more plaudits, but the 23-year-old is dominating games. With his unique skill-set, the midfielder is a joy to watch - I particularly like the way he maintains possession due to his brute strength and telescopic legs. I also loved the way he was instantly imploring the supporters to urge United on to get the winner after Anthony Martial's equaliser against Middlesbrough, even though time was running out. 

I thought Pogba was excellent again at West Ham on Monday and expect him to make a push for January's Player of the Month award too, hopefully with a decisive contribution against Liverpool in the next Premier League fixture for the Reds.

And then there is Ibrahimovic. What more can be said about the evergreen striker, who was also being criticised by some for a rare lean spell in front of goal earlier in the season? The Swede smashed in the clincher at the London Stadium to become only the third Red to score in five successive Premier League away games - Dutchmen Ruud van Nistelrooy and Robin van Persie are the others. It's actually six straight matches in all competitions on the road as he also netted at Zorya Luhansk. Let's hope he is on the mark again at Stoke City on 21 January.

Zlatan was cruelly denied another goal against Middlesbrough when his volley was controversially disallowed but his tally of 13 in the Premier League is only one behind the leading marksman, Chelsea's Diego Costa. Some had their doubts because of his age but the capture of the charismatic attacker has been another masterstroke and he looks perfectly at home at Old Trafford. 

Four new signings and, although things can change quickly in football, four surefire hits, in my opinion. The manager has stressed he has no great need to buy again this month but, when Mourinho does make his next move, there is every confidence it will prove to be another inspired swoop.

Ibrahimovic, Mkhitaryan or Pogba? Who gets your vote for December's Player of the Month?

The views expressed in this article are personal to the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Manchester United Football Club.

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