Another chapter of Manchester United’s long and illustrious history is about to close. Some might say for the better, others may wish for a few more lines.
For the pessimists, yet another trophy-less season since Alex Ferguson retired has come and gone.
They would argue the team are in no better position now than when Ole Gunnar Solskjaer took over from Jose Mourinho in 2018.
Optimists will point towards a brighter future, one spearheaded by Ralf Rangnick – for the time being. He has inherited a great squad that just needs the right formula to start clicking into gear again.
Individually, they are excellent. Collectively, they are off the mark. Which is why it feels only right to put together United’s best XI of 2021:
Defence
This area of the field is arguably the easiest to assemble.
Although Dean Henderson made a late dash for the number one jersey, the goalkeeping position undoubtedly belongs to David De Gea.
After a difficult spell last season, the Spaniard has soared back to the heights of a few years ago.
United have been indebted to their gloved protector on numerous occasions in the past few months. But it says a lot about their current situation that De Gea is leading the chase for the club’s player of the year award.
Just in front of him, there are no great surprises either. One thing Solskjaer did get right was the construction of a settled back-four.
Luke Shaw emerged as one of the Premier League’s finest full-backs last season and was included in several team of the seasons suggested by Sky Sports pundits.
Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof, meanwhile, have only lost six times in the past 12 months when partnered in central defence.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka is United’s recognised right-back, although Diogo Dalot has made a recent challenge for his crown.
Midfield
As we’ve gone for an old-fashioned 4-4-2 – the real Fergie way – our wingers in this system aren’t exactly wingers.
Mason Greenwood has scored 14 times in 2021, including a run of eight in 11 games between March and May.
His form earned him a place in England’s European Championship squad, although he unfortunately had to withdraw through injury.
Marcus Rashford reversed this scenario by going to the Euros and then having surgery on his shoulder, meaning he missed the early stages of this season.
Sandwiching this period of absence is 11 goals either side of the summer tournament.
In midfield, we’ve gone for Scott McTominay and Bruno Fernandes. And the stats speak for themselves in terms of Fernandes’ inclusion.
In 2021, no midfielder from Europe’s top five leagues has scored more goals, provided more assists, or created more big chances than the Portugal superstar.
He did recently end a run of 11 matches without scoring for club and country, yet there’s enough credit in the bank to overlook that.
It was a toss-up between Fred and McTominay for the other midfield slot but we went for the latter, simply because we feel the Scotsman has been more consistent.
Attack
We’ve selected a strike force Andrew Cole and Dwight Yorke would be proud of. Two veteran forwards showing the young guns how to do it.
Despite only being back in Manchester for a few months, Cristiano Ronaldo has already stolen every headline imaginable.
It’s 13 goals and counting for CR7 following his return to Old Trafford in August.
Although the current campaign has been a struggle for Edinson Cavani, his previous efforts shouldn’t be forgotten.
The 34-year-old has converted 14 times in 2021, which covers a terrific spell of ten in 11 matches from April to May.
Manchester United combined 2021 XI: De Gea; Shaw, Maguire, Lindelof, Wan-Bissaka; Greenwood, Fernandes, McTominay, Rashford; Ronaldo, Cavani
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