Manchester United Squad 2017/18: A Look Back At The Players

Hey guys, let's take a trip down memory lane and revisit the Manchester United squad from the 2017/18 season. It was a pretty interesting time for the Red Devils, and a lot of familiar faces were battling it out on the pitch. This season was Jose Mourinho's second year in charge, and expectations were high, with the team aiming to compete for the Premier League title and make a splash in the Champions League. So, without further ado, let's dive into the roster and see who was wearing the famous red shirt back then!

The Goalkeepers: Guardians of the Net

First up, let's talk about the guys tasked with keeping the ball out of the net – the goalkeepers. In 2017/18, Manchester United had a solid group of shot-stoppers. Leading the pack was David de Gea, who, let's be honest, was absolutely crucial for United during this period. He was often the difference-maker, pulling off incredible saves week in and week out. His agility, reflexes, and shot-stopping ability were simply world-class. He was undoubtedly one of the best goalkeepers in the world at the time. Sergio Romero served as the reliable backup, always ready to step in when needed and providing a safe pair of hands. He was a great professional and a valuable asset to the squad. Completing the goalkeeper trio was Joel Pereira, a young prospect who was gaining experience and learning from the more senior players.

David de Gea, of course, was the undisputed number one. He was in his prime, and his performances were often the highlight of many United matches. He was known for his incredible saves, his command of the box, and his ability to read the game. Sergio Romero, on the other hand, was the perfect backup. He was experienced, reliable, and always ready to step in when called upon. He provided a sense of security and stability in the goalkeeping department. Joel Pereira, although he didn't get much game time, was a promising young talent who was learning from the best and preparing for the future. The goalkeeping department was in safe hands, with a good balance of experience, talent, and potential. Their performances were vital for the team's success throughout the season.

Defenders: The Wall of Defense

Next, let's move onto the defensive line, the defenders. This was a mix of experienced veterans and up-and-coming talents. At center-back, United had the formidable pairing of Eric Bailly and Phil Jones. Bailly's pace and athleticism complemented Jones's physicality and aerial ability, forming a strong partnership. They were both capable of making crucial tackles and interceptions. Chris Smalling was another option, bringing experience and composure to the defense. Victor Lindelof joined the club that season, and while he took some time to settle in, he showed glimpses of his potential. At full-back, Antonio Valencia patrolled the right flank with his tireless running and crossing ability. On the left, Ashley Young often filled in, showing his versatility and defensive skills. Matteo Darmian provided cover at both full-back positions, offering defensive solidity.

The defensive unit was a crucial part of the team's setup. The central defenders had to be strong and commanding in the air. The full-backs needed to provide width in attack and also be defensively sound. Eric Bailly brought pace and aggression, while Phil Jones offered a no-nonsense approach. Chris Smalling provided experience and consistency, and Victor Lindelof was a developing talent with excellent passing skills. Antonio Valencia was a workhorse on the right flank, while Ashley Young showed his adaptability on the left. The full-backs needed to provide width in attack and also be defensively sound. They faced the challenge of containing the opposition's wingers and delivering accurate crosses into the box. The defenders had to work as a cohesive unit, communicating effectively and supporting each other. They were responsible for protecting their goal and setting the platform for the team's attacking endeavors. They played a vital role in preventing the opposition from scoring and helping the team secure victories. Their performance had a significant impact on the team's overall success.

Midfielders: The Engine Room

Now, let's head into the heart of the team – the midfield. This area was packed with talent and experience. Nemanja Matic was a key signing, providing defensive stability and breaking up opposition attacks. His presence allowed the more attacking players to express themselves. Paul Pogba, despite facing some criticism, was a creative force, capable of scoring spectacular goals and providing assists. Marouane Fellaini, known for his aerial ability and physicality, was a valuable option, often used to change the dynamic of the game. Ander Herrera brought energy, tenacity, and a tireless work rate to the midfield. Juan Mata provided creativity and experience, offering moments of magic with his passing and vision. Jesse Lingard was a versatile player, contributing goals and assists from midfield.

The midfielders were the engine room of the team, tasked with controlling possession, breaking up opposition attacks, and supporting the forwards. Nemanja Matic was the anchor, providing a shield for the defense and winning back possession. Paul Pogba was a creative force, capable of driving forward with the ball and creating chances. Marouane Fellaini brought aerial threat and physical presence. Ander Herrera added energy, tackling, and pressing, while Juan Mata provided creativity and experience. The midfielders had to be tactically astute, making smart decisions and supporting their teammates. They were responsible for maintaining the team's shape, winning the ball, and transitioning from defense to attack. They faced the challenge of controlling the tempo of the game and winning the midfield battle. Their performances significantly influenced the team's ability to dominate matches and create scoring opportunities. The midfield's work ethic and tactical understanding were essential for the team's success during the 2017/18 season.

Forwards: The Attacking Force

Finally, let's talk about the guys who were expected to put the ball in the back of the net – the forwards. The attacking line was led by Romelu Lukaku, who arrived with high expectations. He provided a focal point in attack, scoring goals and leading the line. Anthony Martial showed glimpses of brilliance, with his pace, dribbling, and finishing ability. Marcus Rashford continued to develop, adding pace, versatility, and youthful energy to the attack. Zlatan Ibrahimovic was also on the books, though his involvement was limited due to injury. Alexis Sanchez joined the team mid-season, bringing experience and attacking flair, although he didn't quite hit the heights expected of him.

The attacking unit was responsible for scoring goals and creating opportunities for the team. They were the ones who would ultimately decide the outcome of the matches. Romelu Lukaku was the main goalscorer, providing a physical presence and clinical finishing. Anthony Martial brought pace, skill, and an eye for goal. Marcus Rashford added energy, versatility, and youthful enthusiasm. Zlatan Ibrahimovic brought experience and quality to the forward line, although he did not play very much due to injury. The forwards were required to work well as a team, combining their skills and finding openings in the opposing defense. They needed to be clinical in front of goal, converting their chances and making the most of their opportunities. The forwards' performance was crucial for winning matches and achieving success in the season. Their ability to score goals and create chances had a huge impact on the team's results and overall performance.

Notable Moments and Achievements

The 2017/18 season saw Manchester United finish second in the Premier League, which was a step forward compared to the previous season. They also reached the FA Cup final but were defeated by Chelsea. The team showed moments of brilliance and resilience, but consistency proved to be a challenge. The signing of Romelu Lukaku brought a new dimension to the attack, while Nemanja Matic added stability to the midfield. However, the season was also marked by ups and downs, injuries, and a few disappointing results. The team's performance, while not always consistent, demonstrated their potential and the quality within the squad.

Key Takeaways

Looking back at the Manchester United squad from the 2017/18 season, it's clear that the team had a mix of talent, experience, and potential. David de Gea was the undisputed star, consistently performing at the highest level. The defense was solid, with a combination of strength and experience. The midfield was well-rounded, with a blend of defensive stability and creative flair. The attack had a good mix of goalscorers and creative players. While the team didn't win any major trophies, they showed promise and laid the foundation for future success. It was a season of evolution, with some notable additions to the squad, which unfortunately did not lead to a title, however, the team displayed resilience, character, and a commitment to fight for every match. The players, under the guidance of the manager, gave their best efforts, and that effort was reflected in some fantastic matches during the season.

So there you have it, a quick recap of the Manchester United squad from the 2017/18 season! It's always fun to look back and remember the players who represented the club during that time. Let me know what your favorite memories from that season are in the comments below! Cheers, guys!