Squad 2017/18 - Central Midfielders

In the last week before the big Premier League kick-off, we're profiling each area of Manchester United's first-team squad as it stands. Here, we take a look at the central midfielders' form of last term, as well as their efforts in pre-season...

PAUL POGBA
United career stats: 59 appearances, 9 goals

The athletic Frenchman did not take long to settle into United’s engine room last term following a then world-record summer transfer from Juventus, and he went on to make 58 appearances across all competitions for the Reds.

Pogba was an ever-present figure in United’s pre-season side, and featured in all seven tour matches, with his performance against Barcelona drawing high praise from Jose Mourinho.

"Even as an opponent on the bench like I am, it is beautiful to see the guys' [Messi and Neymar] relationship with the ball,” Mourinho said. “Today, one of my players, Paul Pogba, showed the level. He showed that he belongs at that level."

MICHAEL CARRICK
United career stats: 459 appearances, 24 goals

Carrick was once again the heartbeat of the team's midfield during the 2016/17 campaign, and despite his elder statesman status he still notched 38 appearances.

The 36-year-old deep-lying midfielder enjoyed an impressive pre-season as well, playing in all seven tour matches, as well as being named club captain following Wayne Rooney’s departure.

“It is such a huge honour to captain such a great club,” he said. “It is my 12th year now and I came as a 25-year-old. I never thought I could be here for so long and achieve so much.”

ANDER HERRERA
United career stats: 122 appearances, 15 goals

Herrera was a key figure for the Reds last term, and his 50 appearances across all competitions yielded much praise, 11 assists and two goals and the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year prize.

The 27-year-old Spain international continued his fine form during Tour 2017, presented by Aon, and he played in all bar of the matches, which he missed with a slight knock.

Herrera will be looking to make his mark again this season and can't wait to help the Reds challenge for more silverware.

"The Premier League starts on Sunday and we want to be contenders for the title," he said. "We want to fight for every title this season." 

MAROUANE FELLAINI
United career stats: 134 appearances, 15 goals

The Belgian played an important role for Mourinho last term as he featured all-over midfield, and he eventually finished with 47 league and cup appearances to his name.

The 29-year-old was also in fine form in pre-season and netted twice during the Tour 2017 campaign. His performance in the Super Cup defeat to Real Madrid, after coming on as a second-half substitute, earned praise from fans and pundits alike.

NEMANJA MATIC
United career stats: 1 appearance

The combative Serbian midfielder linked up with the squad for the final tour match, after completing his move from Chelsea.

Matic impressed during his first 45-minute run-out in United’s last friendly encounter against Sampdoria in Dublin, and he made his competitive bow against Real in Skopje, after which he gave his thoughts on the upcoming season.

"I feel great. United is one of the biggest clubs in the world and I am very happy because I am now part of this great club and part of this great group," he declared.

SCOTT MCTOMINAY
United career stats: 2 appearances

McTominay’s efforts for the Reserves were rewarded last term when he made his senior debut against Arsenal in May, before following it up with 90 minutes against Crystal Palace on the final day of the season.

The 20-year-old Scot featured on four occasions during United’s pre-season tour and netted his first-ever senior goal in the 3-0 win over Valerenga.

“It's the best feeling in the world," he said afterwards. "It’s the best moment of my life and you just want more and more of this. This is what you work for every single day in training.”

MATTY WILLOCK
United career stats: 0 appearances

A regular in the Reserves side last campaign, Willock is yet to register a senior appearance for the Reds, but was named on the bench towards the end of the 2016/17 campaign.

The 20-year-old will be keen to produce some more strong showings for the Reserves and in training with the first team as he looks to force his way into Mourinho’s plans.