Squad 2017/18 - Attacking Midfielders

As the Premier League season gets under way, we're profiling each area of Manchester United's first-team squad as it stands. Here, we take a look at our wide midfielders' form of last term, as well as their exploits in pre-season...

JUAN MATA
United career stats: 146 appearances, 36 goals

Mata was one of United’s top performers last season, scoring 10 goals and providing six assists in 42 league and cup outings. The Spain international then continued his good form on tour, featuring in five games and netting the winner in the 2-1 win over Sampdoria.

JESSE LINGARD
United career stats: 84 appearances, 11 goals
The 24-year-old played a major role in the Reds’ success in the 2016/17 campaign as his 42 appearances across all competitions saw him feature on both wings regularly.

Lingard played in five of the seven pre-season tour games, scoring in the 1-1 draw with Real Madrid in Santa Clara after a fine assist from Anthony Martial.

“Anthony's got great feet when it comes to close control and he's got the confidence to do it in a game. It's a nightmare for defenders,” Jesse said. “Luckily I've got myself into space at the back post, got away from my man, and then put it away.”

ASHLEY YOUNG
United career stats: 164 appearances, 14 goals

Young's 2016/17 season was affected by injury issues but he was still able to register 23 appearances in all competitions. Although the 32-year-old was not able to feature in any of the pre-season games, he was part of the touring squad as his comeback trail continued.

HENRIKH MKHITARYAN
United career stats: 42 appearances, 11 goals

Despite suffering an injury in the early part of last season, Mkhitaryan still managed to impress in his first season at Old Trafford by scoring 11 goals in 41 league and cup games.

His pacey displays across the front three continued in pre-season, and he was one of United’s star performers on tour – bagging three goals in seven outings.

The Armenian has insisted that his form will only improve as time goes on, saying: "I am sure the best is still to come and I am looking forward to it because I know that we can do better and I can do better."

ANDREAS PEREIRA
United career stats: 13 appearances, 1 goal

The 21-year-old Brazilian spent the 2016/17 campaign in Spain on loan at Granada, where he made a real impact by scoring five goals and providing three assists in his 35 La Liga appearances.

Pereira impressed for United in pre-season, managing to get on the pitch in all seven of the Reds’ tour matches, and he's determined to make an impact in 2017/18.

“I learned a lot of things [at Granada] and hopefully I can use them now I'm back at United,” he said. “I will try to do my best to stay here, get an important role for the season, to help my team-mates and to impress the manager.”

ANGEL GOMES
United career stats: 1 appearance

The 16-year-old became the youngest player since Duncan Edwards to appear for United's first team when he came off the bench against Crystal Palace to make his senior debut on the final day of last season. Gomes was not a part of the pre-season tour squad, but he's set to continue his exciting development with the Reds' youth and reserve sides.