Manchester United's 2017/18 Season: Squad Analysis

Hey everyone! Let's dive into the Manchester United squad during the 2017/18 season. It was a really interesting time for the Red Devils, and understanding the players who took the field is key to understanding the team's performance. We'll break down the key players, their roles, and what made this particular squad tick. So, grab a snack, sit back, and let's get into it! This squad, led by manager José Mourinho, aimed to compete at the highest level, and they certainly had the talent to do so. The season brought a mix of highs and lows, showcasing the importance of a strong squad. So, let's take a closer look at the key components.

Goalkeepers

Let's start with the last line of defense, the goalkeepers. In the 2017/18 season, Manchester United primarily relied on David de Gea as their number one. This guy was a brick wall! De Gea consistently delivered world-class performances, making crucial saves week in and week out. He was, without a doubt, one of the best goalkeepers in the world at the time. His reflexes, shot-stopping ability, and command of the area were exceptional. He saved the team on numerous occasions. Behind De Gea, United had Sergio Romero as a backup. Romero was a reliable presence, providing cover and stepping in whenever needed. He was a solid second choice. The team also had Joel Pereira as another option, a young keeper who was gaining experience. However, the bulk of the action fell to De Gea, who was the undisputed first-choice goalkeeper. The stability in the goalkeeping position was a huge asset for United. De Gea's presence instilled confidence in the backline and allowed the team to build from the back. His shot-stopping prowess was often the difference between winning and losing matches. His ability to make seemingly impossible saves was a highlight of the season. His presence between the posts provided a sense of security and reliability that's crucial for any successful team. The goalkeepers formed a crucial foundation for the team's defensive setup, and De Gea's consistency was a major factor in United's overall defensive record. His distribution skills and ability to start counter-attacks added another dimension to his game, making him more than just a shot-stopper. The goalkeeping department was in safe hands, with a combination of world-class talent and reliable backups.

Defensive Unit

Moving on to the defense, the 2017/18 season saw a mix of experience and emerging talent. The usual suspects in central defense were Eric Bailly and Phil Jones, who were often paired together. Both players brought different qualities to the table. Bailly's pace and athleticism complemented Jones' aerial ability and tackling prowess. However, injuries played a significant role, and the partnership was not always consistent. Chris Smalling and Victor Lindelöf also featured, providing depth and competition for places. Lindelöf was still adjusting to the Premier League but showed promise, while Smalling's experience was invaluable. At full-back, Antonio Valencia was a mainstay on the right side, known for his energy, crossing ability, and defensive work rate. On the left, Ashley Young was converted into a full-back and performed admirably, showcasing his versatility and experience. He provided a good balance of defensive solidity and attacking contributions. Matteo Darmian and Luke Shaw also got their opportunities, offering competition and different tactical options. The defensive unit as a whole needed to be organized and disciplined. The center-back partnerships were crucial in protecting the goal, while the full-backs provided width and support in attack. The defensive unit faced various challenges throughout the season, including injuries and the need to adapt to different opponents. The ability to rotate players and maintain a high level of performance was key. The defensive unit's resilience was tested throughout the season. The constant rotation and tactical adjustments required them to stay sharp. The full-backs played a vital role in both defense and attack. The defenders faced a lot of pressure, especially against top teams. The defensive unit was able to grind out results and maintain a respectable defensive record throughout the season.

Midfield Maestros

Let's head into the midfield, where the creativity and steel of the team resided. The midfield of Manchester United in the 2017/18 season was a blend of experience, dynamism, and playmaking ability. Nemanja Matić was the anchor, providing defensive stability and breaking up play in front of the back four. He was a crucial signing, adding much-needed protection and experience to the midfield. His presence allowed the more attacking players to express themselves. Alongside him, Paul Pogba showcased his immense talent, with his dribbling, passing range, and ability to score goals. However, consistency was an issue at times. He was capable of moments of brilliance. He could control games. Ander Herrera was a fan favorite, known for his energy, work rate, and tenacity in midfield. He was always giving his all for the team. He provided balance and covered a lot of ground. Marouane Fellaini also had an important role, offering a physical presence and aerial ability. He was often used as a late substitute to change the game. He added another dimension to the attack. Jesse Lingard was another player who often found himself in the midfield, bringing energy and creativity. He contributed with goals and assists, making him a valuable asset. The midfield unit was responsible for controlling the tempo of matches. The balance between defense and attack was crucial. The ability to win the ball back quickly and transition to attack was key. The midfielders had to adapt to different formations and tactical approaches. The chemistry and understanding between the players in midfield improved throughout the season. They were the engine room of the team. The midfield's performance had a direct impact on the team's overall success. The midfield unit was able to cope with the demands of the Premier League. The players needed to be tactically astute, physically fit, and mentally strong. The midfield was the heart of the team, and their performance dictated the team's rhythm.

Attacking Prowess

Now, let's talk about the attack. Upfront, United had a wealth of attacking talent. Leading the line was Romelu Lukaku, who was brought in to score goals. He was the main striker and delivered in terms of goals, though his overall performances were sometimes scrutinized. He was the focal point of the attack. On the wings, Anthony Martial showed flashes of brilliance with his pace, dribbling, and finishing. Consistency was a challenge for him. Marcus Rashford, a product of the club's academy, continued to develop, providing pace, trickery, and goals. He was a versatile player who could play in various attacking positions. Juan Mata, with his technique, vision, and creativity, added a different dimension to the attack, often playing in the number ten role. He was a creative force, creating opportunities. Henrikh Mkhitaryan was another attacking option. He struggled to consistently perform at his best, but provided creative spark. The attack was all about scoring goals and creating chances. The movement and interplay between the attackers were key to breaking down defenses. The attacking players needed to be clinical in front of goal. The pace and trickery of the wingers were essential. The attackers needed to be adaptable to different tactical approaches. The combination of different attacking styles made United's attack a potent force. The attackers created problems for opposition defenders. The attackers often took the initiative to score goals. The attackers brought a lot of excitement and entertainment to the matches. The attacking players' ability to convert chances was often crucial. The attackers needed to maintain a high level of fitness. The attack was the team's primary source of goals. They needed to make the difference.

Tactical Flexibility and Team Dynamics

Besides the individual players, the tactical approach of José Mourinho was a key factor. He often deployed a pragmatic style, focusing on defensive solidity and counter-attacking. He set up the team in a way that would make it hard to break them down, and then they would hit teams on the counter. The team's formation often varied, but it usually involved a solid defensive structure with a focus on quick transitions. The manager's tactical decisions, including the starting lineup and in-game substitutions, were crucial. The team's overall performance was a result of the combined effort of all players. The dynamic between the players was crucial. The team spirit was often high. The players' ability to adapt to different situations was a major advantage. Injuries and suspensions played a significant role. The ability to rotate players effectively was essential. The players had to be tactically disciplined and physically fit. The team's mental strength was tested throughout the season. The team's mentality was a factor for success. The squad's chemistry was a factor. The tactical flexibility allowed the team to adjust to different opponents. The ability to change formations was important. The manager's influence shaped the team's identity. The tactical approach emphasized organization and discipline. The ability to adapt to different game situations was key.

Season Overview and Conclusion

Overall, the 2017/18 season for Manchester United had its moments of brilliance, but also its share of disappointments. The team finished second in the Premier League, which was an improvement, but they were still a distance behind Manchester City. They reached the FA Cup final, but lost to Chelsea. While they didn't win a major trophy, the squad showed potential. The season highlighted the importance of a well-rounded squad. The team's performance was judged. The key players' impact on the season. The tactical decisions' impact. The challenges faced by the team. The ability to bounce back from setbacks. The need for consistency throughout the season. The team's overall improvement. The key takeaways from the season. The areas for improvement. The future prospects of the team. The expectations for the next season. The impact of the manager. The team's fighting spirit. The fans' support and their contribution. The squad's resilience was tested. The season had its highs and lows. The team's ability to compete. The season's impact on the club. The season's legacy. The season's final assessment. The season was filled with memorable moments. The overall evaluation of the season. The season's lasting impression on the fans. The season's concluding remarks.

So, that's a wrap-up of the Manchester United squad for the 2017/18 season! What do you guys think? Let me know in the comments! Did you have any favorite players? Let's discuss! Thanks for reading, and I hope you enjoyed the deep dive into the Red Devils of that season! Catch ya later!