Reeling from their worst-ever finish in Premier League history, two Manchester United players have been named in Sofascore’s worst top-flight XI of the season.
Despite beating Brighton 2-0 at the Amex on the final day of the campaign, United finished in a lowly eighth and may have missed out on European football altogether.
Boss Erik ten Hag finds himself under major pressure and two of his big earners have been recognised among the league’s worst performers in light of his side’s woes.
Surprisingly, one Arsenal player has also joined them in the team of flops.
But who else has made the cut? Here, Mail Sport reveals all…
DAVID RAYA
Yes, you are reading that correctly. Golden Glove winner David Raya has somehow been included in the worst Premier League XI for the season. The fact he was rarely called into action in matches is perhaps the reason for his low rating, however.
RIGHT BACK – VITINHO (BURNLEY) – 6.59
It was a chastening campaign for Vincent Kompany’s Burnley. They resisted stoutly after a slight tweak in approach but by the end of the season, they had narrowly fallen short. Vitinho endured a mixed campaign on an individual level at full back.
CENTRE BACK – ANEL AHMEDHODZIC (SHEFFIELD UNITED) – 6.56
He looked like a Premier League defender in waiting last season but the much-anticipated step up hasn’t happen. Instead, Anel Ahmedhodzic has been a shadow of his former self. He is the worst-rated player in the whole of the top-flight.
CENTRE BACK – AUSTON TRUSTY (SHEFFIELD UNITED) – 6.60
A regular in Sheffield United’s line-up since joining from Arsenal, Auston Trusty struggled to truly find his footing at the top of the pyramid before sliding back to the Championship. Rated 6.60, the defender is the third-worst rated player in the XI.
LEFT BACK – ASHLEY YOUNG (EVERTON) – 6.68
Now in the waning years of a superb career, Ashley Young made 31 Premier League appearances last season. Trusted by Sean Dyche, the veteran performed admirably at full back and contributed to Everton preserving their top-flight status.
CENTRE MIDFIELDER – SEAN LONGSTAFF (NEWCASTLE) – 6.88
It has been a stop-start season for Sean Longstaff on Tyneside. He was drafted in with Eddie Howe hit by injuries in the centre of the park and was steady enough, but the midfielder paled in comparison to his more creative team-mates.
CENTRE MIDFIELDER – VINICIUS SOUZA (SHEFFIELD UNITED) – 6.79
Signed in a big-money £10.5million move in the summer, Vinicius Souza endured a mixed season. With 36 top-flight appearances under his belt already, Souza was ever present for Sheffield United in a campaign which saw them finish rock bottom.
CENTRE MIDFIELDER – JOAO GOMES (WOLVES) – 6.88
Another eyebrow-raising pick. Joao Gomes has been linked with Manchester United after fulfilling his dream of playing in the Premier League and scored twice, but his under the radar performances saw his average rating fall below a seven
RIGHT WINGER – JACK HARRISON (EVERTON) – 6.81
Everton are believed to be keen to hold talks over Jack Harrison’s future after his loan spell from Leeds came to an end. He scored three goals and recorded three assists on Merseyside but was rated just 6.81 for a string of blunt performances.
STRIKER – RASMUS HOJLUND (MANCHESTER UNITED) – 6.86
The frontman’s inclusion is likely a reflection of his lack of service during his debut season at Old Trafford. He achieved double figures, a steady start, but will be hopeful of kicking on further. The only mystery is who will coach him next campaign.
LEFT WINGER – MARCUS RASHFORD (MANCHESTER UNITED) – 6.90
It has been a nightmare season for Marcus Rashford. He has blown more cold than hot and been criticised by supporters for his questionable performances. A breather over the summer may do him the world of good as he looks to rally back to his best.
