Zlatan Ibrahimovic
The man with the big ego, a reputation of having conquered domestic titles in every country he has gone in, Jose Mourinho’s arrival meant that United fans would only hope that Zlatan would join and after days and days of waiting, the big man announced it even before his new club did and on his social media accounts blazed the logo of Manchester United confirming that the big Swede would play for a big club again and none come bigger in England than Manchester United.
First, three matches and bam! Performances from Zlatan were impressive. A winning goal against Leicester City, a thumping header against Southampton and a long-range drive against Swansea meant that the tale had already started to unravel but thorns, of course, were to be present as nothing in life is full of roses.
A few lousy touches and reckless play meant that the critics would arrive openly slamming the player down but with the belief and confidence that Zlatan portrays, he has hit right back at those who even doubted him. In 16 appearances in the league, he has crossed the double figure mark already and has landed himself right amidst the flaring race for the golden boot.
Manchester United’s resurgence in terms of results and performances means that Zlatan might as well end up the year as the top player at highest scorer at club level in the calendar year of 2016 and he’s two behind Messi now. ( At 49 and Messi at 51)
United have always looked for a big name going forward after Fergie Era and here is someone spicy, driven and determined with a familiar manager proving the world wrong at 35 and still going strong. If someone can stabilise United’s season and perform so that they achieve their targets, it’s him. Zlatan Ibrahimovic is the name!
Michael Carrick
Years and years are going by but undoubtedly one of Manchester United’s most consistent player has been Michael Carrick who’s worth and value to this squad cannot be measured at all. Be it the Ferguson Era or the short-lived eras of Moyes and Van Gaal and now at the dawn of Jose’s, Carrick is still going strong. Very underrated indeed but without a doubt, one of England’s best.
The soothing calmness in the central midfield and his effective role, movement and leadership quality under Van Gaal or be it, Mourinho, right now, has provided a platform for Ander Herrera and Paul Pogba to contribute to the attack going forward whereas the veteran ensures that he has covered the defence.
The distribution ability, the intervention ability laced with a genius of a footballing brain has been recognised by the club and the fanbase as a whole and it got him a contract extension. This season in over 10 appearances in all competitions, the average successful passing rate of Carrick hovers around the 90% mark which is absolutely commendable for a midfielder and it only goes on to show the impact of the veteran.
He has made over 21 crucial interventions and has made 14 defensive blocks. His vision has been supreme as well with average passing length touching 17 metres. The recognition that Carrick deserves is being noticed now and as a whole, for me, he has had a very good 2016.
Honourable mentions go to Paul Labile Pogba and Ander Herrera as well who’s contribution combined has brought something new to the United midfield and has made it powerful but Antonio Valencia, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Michael Carrick are my three United players, having had a top 2016.
Statistics: Squawka
