United's Best Individuals Of 2017

With the New Year almost upon us, our reporters have come together to list Manchester United’s outstanding moments and performers of 2017. The first of our two-part series focused on the team aspect, but this second episode shifts the emphasis onto individuals.

Have a look through the selections below and see if you agree…

Best player: Paul Pogba
Honorable mention: Antonio Valencia
It was tough to separate these powerhouse Reds, particularly as the Ecuadorian right-back has been so consistent at right-back, yet our France international prevailed due to his game-changing abilities. He flourished during the second half of the 2016/17 season and scored a crucial goal in the UEFA Europa League final against Ajax, later winning the Player of the Year award for that competition. A positive start to this campaign followed, with the arrival of Nemanja Matic extracting his best form. A recent period of absence, through injury and suspension, has only emphasised his role in the team.

Best goal: Jesse Lingard v Watford
Honorable mention: Antonio Valencia v Everton
Tony V was in the running again with his rocket-fuelled blast against the Toffees, but the technical quality of Jesse’s individual effort at Vicarage Road in November gets the nod. The Academy graduate dribbled the length of the pitch, rounding several Hornets defenders, before executing a composed finish that rounded off a superb 4-2 win in the Premier League. We whisper it quietly, but it bore some resemblance to his idol Ryan Giggs's famous winner against Arsenal in 1999.

Best save: David De Gea v Arsenal
Honorable mention: David De Gea v Stoke
This was perhaps the most heated discussion in the office, simply because we were spoilt for choice with an embarrassment of riches to choose from (and that was just the 14 saves against the Gunners in November). We plumped for the Spaniard’s spectacular double stop that thwarted efforts from Arsene Wenger’s top scorers Alexandre Lacazette and Alexis Sanchez from close range. The footage went around the globe and fans tweeted #DaveSaves, in homage to the world no.1.

Best individual display: David De Gea v Arsenal
Honorable mention: Ander Herrera v Chelsea
Speaking of social media, Twitter memorably went into meltdown last April following the 2-0 win over champions-elect Chelsea due to Herrera’s stupendous man-marking job on the Blues’ chief creator Eden Hazard, which ultimately helped the Spaniard to win our fan-voted Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year award in May. Such a performance would take some beating… and it came along in north London, when David’s cat-like reflexes were displayed in glorious, acrobatic fashion.

Best breakthrough: Scott McTominay
Honorable mention: Axel Tuanzebe
Academy graduate McTominay made his senior debut at the Emirates Stadium, of all places, last May and earned a place on the pre-season tour of America in the summer. After impressing the manager, our well-spoken midfielder has retained a place in the first-team squad to become a vital option and he has currently chalked up 10 appearances, while featuring in almost every matchday squad. A recent long-term contract was signed, highlighting a bright future at the club. Here’s to a positive 2019.

Credit: Manutd.com