Man Utd player ratings of the season so far: Lisandro Martinez and Casemiro good

After a chastening start, he has kept soundly for United and shown some improvement with his distribution. Six crucial months lie ahead. 7

United's most improved player over the last year, he has gotten better under Erik ten Hag and was, until Fulham, a constant in the team. A full-back once renowned for his attacking has become defensively dependable. 8

His recall signalled United's recovery and it is not a coincidence the goal glut at City started after Varane succumbed to injury. United's most important player and often a classy performer, but still too injury-prone. 7

United's player of the season so far and one of the best centre halves in the top flight. After a galling experience at Brentford, he has been nigh-on faultless for United and often leaves the pitch their man of the match. 9

However many centre-backs United sign, Lindelof finds a way to have fulfilling playing time. Injury delayed his start to the season but he has impressed next to Martinez and is ahead of Harry Maguire in the pecking order. Recovered well from Aston Villa away. 6

One Premier League start in the last three months tells its own story. Maguire quickly lost the confidence of Ten Hag and he is fourth-choice centre-back. No United international will have welcomed a winter World Cup more. 3

Fortunate to start the season and was especially execrable in the generational nadir at Brentford. Since he regained his place, he has played his best club football in nearly 18 months. 7

Enjoyed a fine four-game Premier League run until he faced Phil Foden. Has not quite recovered from the derby demolition but is a handy squad player with decent potential. 6

Ten Hag took too long to start him in the Premier League and Casemiro has since been Herculean. His probing passing is an additional attacking outlet against reticent sides and he has singlehandedly improved a previously problematic midfield. 8

United dodged a bullet in failing to extradite Frenkie de Jong. Eriksen, totally invested in playing for United, has provided craft from deep and unlocked defences for vital wins (Arsenal, West Ham and Fulham). A shrewd signing. 8

Helped United find form but it is not a coincidence he has not started in the league since the derby. Ten Hag has assigned him the squad role status he is worthy of and McTominay has adapted to score a couple of key goals. 6

The Brazilian could credibly claim he has produced the individual performance of the season for United, so complete was his matchwinning contribution against Tottenham. But that was an anomaly. Not helped by being played out of position a couple of times. 5

United started with 11 men in San Sebastian and their two games against Aston Villa but Van de Beek ghosted through all three games. Inexplicably, Ten Hag afforded him a three-game starting run. A return to Amsterdam is in the best interests of all parties. 1

A reasonable first third of the season and he has been at his best against the league's best but his impacts are still too fitful. Do not be surprised if his performance level rises now Cristiano Ronaldo has gone. Fernandes's three goals have all come with Ronaldo off the pitch. 6

Had a reasonable run where he scored vital goals, albeit contributing little thereafter, but he has looked utterly out of sorts since the derby. Not played in more than a month but training with coaches recommended by Ten Hag. 5

Scored a couple of key goals and he has the requisite character to handle the weight of the shirt. Still adjusting to the team and his impacts in games are sporadic. 6

Has put his annus horribilis behind him with an encouraging few months. Rashford has scored eight goals but his most complete performance was through the middle against Tottenham. His best role remains on the left-hand side. 7

Missed two-thirds of United's games through three separate injuries but has scored or assisted in five of his seven appearances. Still has much to do to live up to his squad number. 6

Has not scored all season and really should have done with the game goalless against Liverpool. In danger of falling the way of Danny Welbeck and Ji-sung Park, wingers selected for their defending more than their attacking. 4

Two winners away from Old Trafford at grounds as diverse as Real Sociedad and Fulham would indicate he is no flash in the pan. His maturity is especially well-timed after someone twice his age was guilty of immaturity. 8

Three goals in 16 games tells its own story - a third of the number Ronaldo was on this time last year - and two were against FC Sheriff. United played better and had their best results without Ronaldo, who was more of a hindrance than help before he tossed the pram and the toys to gain an exit Jorge Mendes failed to secure in the summer. 3