Manchester United's 2017/18 Squad: A Deep Dive

Oct 29, 2025 by Jhon Lennon 47 views

Hey guys! Let's take a trip down memory lane and dive into the Manchester United squad that graced the pitch during the 2017/18 season. This was a particularly interesting period for the Red Devils, so buckle up as we break down the players, the tactics, and the overall performance. We will be looking at each player's position, strengths, and contribution to the team. The goal is to provide a comprehensive analysis. Let's get started!

The Goalkeepers: Guardians of the Goal

Let's start with the last line of defense, the goalkeepers. In the 2017/18 season, Manchester United primarily relied on David de Gea, who was undoubtedly one of the best goalkeepers in the world at the time. His reflexes, shot-stopping abilities, and commanding presence were crucial for United's defensive stability. De Gea's performances often single-handedly saved United from conceding goals, and he was a consistent performer throughout the season. He earned many points for the team! Beside De Gea, the team had Sergio Romero, who served as a reliable backup. Romero was a capable shot-stopper himself and was often called upon in cup competitions or when De Gea needed a rest. Having a strong backup goalkeeper was a key asset for United, ensuring they had quality cover in case of injuries or suspensions. The goalkeeping department was a clear strength for Manchester United in the 2017/18 season, providing a solid foundation for the team's defensive efforts. Both De Gea and Romero demonstrated their value, and the depth in this position was a significant advantage for the team. The consistency and quality of the goalkeepers allowed the team to focus on other areas, knowing that the goal was well-protected. De Gea's ability to pull off incredible saves made him a fan favorite and a vital part of the squad. His shot-stopping prowess often kept United in games and secured valuable points. Romero provided excellent support and stepped up whenever called upon. The goalkeeping duo formed a strong unit, contributing significantly to United's overall performance. They were consistent and reliable, and their performances were a key factor in the team's success throughout the season. These guys were a massive deal!

David de Gea

Key Attributes: Exceptional shot-stopper, excellent reflexes, commanding presence, and good distribution.
Role: First-choice goalkeeper, providing security and stability at the back. He was a crucial player for Manchester United throughout the season.
Impact: Saved numerous goals with incredible saves, earning the team valuable points and keeping them in matches.

Sergio Romero

Key Attributes: Reliable shot-stopper, good reflexes, and experience in high-pressure situations.
Role: Backup goalkeeper, providing cover in cup competitions and when De Gea needed rest.
Impact: Stepped up when called upon, delivering solid performances and ensuring the team had quality cover in the goalkeeping position.

Defenders: The Fortress at the Back

Moving onto the defenders, the 2017/18 Manchester United squad had a mix of experienced veterans and emerging talents. The central defensive partnership was often formed by Eric Bailly and Phil Jones, who were known for their physicality and aerial ability. While their partnership was solid, they were prone to injuries, which meant manager Jose Mourinho often had to shuffle his defensive lineup. Chris Smalling also played a significant role, providing experience and stability in the heart of the defense. On the flanks, Antonio Valencia was a key player at right-back, offering both defensive solidity and attacking prowess. His pace, work rate, and crossing ability were valuable assets for the team. On the left side, Ashley Young was often deployed, providing a reliable presence and contributing with his crossing and defensive abilities. The squad also had Victor Lindelöf, who was in his first season at the club, and Marcos Rojo, offering additional options at center-back. The defensive unit showed glimpses of brilliance, but injuries and a lack of consistent partnerships hindered their overall performance. The defenders had to be in top shape and ready for a tough season. Despite the challenges, the defensive players demonstrated their commitment to the team, and they showed flashes of what they were capable of.

Eric Bailly

Key Attributes: Strong, athletic, and good in the air, known for his aggressive defending style.
Role: Key center-back, providing physicality and defensive strength.
Impact: Provided a strong presence in defense when fit, but his frequent injuries often disrupted the team's consistency.

Phil Jones

Key Attributes: Courageous, good in the air, and committed defender.
Role: Center-back, offering defensive solidity and aerial ability.
Impact: Contributed to the team's defensive efforts, often partnering with Bailly or Smalling.

Chris Smalling

Key Attributes: Experienced, strong in the air, and a reliable defender.
Role: Center-back, providing experience and stability in the heart of the defense.
Impact: Offered a calming presence in defense, contributing to the team's defensive structure.

Antonio Valencia

Key Attributes: Pace, work rate, and crossing ability.
Role: Right-back, providing defensive solidity and attacking contributions.
Impact: A consistent performer, offering a strong presence on the right flank and contributing with his crosses.

Ashley Young

Key Attributes: Versatile, good crossing ability, and defensive work rate.
Role: Left-back, providing defensive stability and contributing with his crossing ability.
Impact: A reliable player, offering a solid presence on the left flank and providing valuable assists.

Victor Lindelöf

Key Attributes: Good passer, composed on the ball, and reads the game well.
Role: Center-back, providing additional options and developing his game.
Impact: Gained experience and adapted to the demands of the Premier League, offering glimpses of his potential.

Marcos Rojo

Key Attributes: Aggressive, strong in the tackle, and provides physicality.
Role: Center-back, providing defensive options and experience.
Impact: Added depth to the defense, offering physicality and commitment.

Midfielders: The Engine Room

The midfield of the 2017/18 Manchester United squad was packed with talent and experience. Nemanja Matić was a key signing, providing defensive stability and a strong presence in front of the defense. His ability to break up play and shield the backline was invaluable. Alongside him, Paul Pogba played a more advanced role, contributing with his creativity, passing, and goal-scoring ability. Pogba's influence was often crucial in unlocking defenses and driving the team forward. Ander Herrera was another important figure, known for his work rate, tackling ability, and commitment to the team. Herrera's energy and tenacity were vital in breaking up opposition attacks and winning back possession. Marouane Fellaini, often used as a tactical option, provided aerial strength and a physical presence in midfield. His ability to win headers and disrupt the opposition's defense made him a useful asset. The midfield unit demonstrated a good balance of defensive solidity and attacking creativity. The players complemented each other well, with Matić providing the anchor, Pogba the creativity, and Herrera the energy. However, consistency and injuries sometimes affected their performance. The midfield was a core component of the team's strategy, and the players within it had a significant impact on the team's overall performance. They created chances, won back possession, and provided a strong defensive screen. They were amazing!

Nemanja Matić

Key Attributes: Defensive stability, tackling ability, and good positional sense.
Role: Defensive midfielder, providing protection to the backline and breaking up opposition attacks.
Impact: A key signing, offering stability and experience in midfield, and allowing other midfielders to express themselves more freely.

Paul Pogba

Key Attributes: Creativity, passing ability, and goal-scoring threat.
Role: Central midfielder, contributing with creativity, assists, and goals.
Impact: Provided moments of brilliance, unlocking defenses with his passing and scoring important goals.

Ander Herrera

Key Attributes: Work rate, tackling ability, and commitment to the team.
Role: Central midfielder, providing energy, tackling ability, and winning back possession.
Impact: A key player for his energy and tenacity, breaking up opposition attacks and contributing to the team's defensive efforts.

Marouane Fellaini

Key Attributes: Aerial strength, physical presence, and ability to win headers.
Role: Central midfielder, providing aerial presence and tactical flexibility.
Impact: A valuable tactical option, winning headers and disrupting the opposition's defense.

Juan Mata

Key Attributes: Creative, good passer, and excellent vision.
Role: Attacking midfielder, providing creative passing and assists.
Impact: Provided moments of brilliance, creating chances and linking up with the forwards.

Forwards: The Attack Force

The attacking options for Manchester United in the 2017/18 season were filled with talent. Romelu Lukaku was the primary striker, providing a goal-scoring threat and physical presence up front. His ability to hold up the ball and finish chances was crucial for the team. Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford offered pace, skill, and versatility on the wings, providing width and attacking options. Both players were capable of scoring goals and creating chances. Zlatan Ibrahimović also featured in the first half of the season before his departure, bringing experience and a goal-scoring pedigree to the attack. The attacking unit was filled with pace, skill, and goal-scoring threat, and this really was a strength. The forwards were essential to United's attacking style. However, the attack had moments of brilliance, but lacked consistency at times. The forwards played a vital role in creating and converting chances, and their performances were essential for the team's success. These guys were super important!

Romelu Lukaku

Key Attributes: Goal-scoring threat, physical presence, and ability to hold up the ball.
Role: Striker, leading the line and providing goals.
Impact: Top goalscorer for the team, contributing with goals and a strong presence in attack.

Anthony Martial

Key Attributes: Pace, skill, and finishing ability.
Role: Winger/forward, providing pace, skill, and goal-scoring threat on the wings.
Impact: Contributed with goals and assists, adding creativity and attacking options.

Marcus Rashford

Key Attributes: Pace, dribbling ability, and finishing potential.
Role: Winger/forward, providing pace, skill, and goal-scoring threat on the wings.
Impact: Scored important goals and contributed with his pace and skill in attack.

Zlatan Ibrahimović

Key Attributes: Goal-scoring pedigree, experience, and aerial ability.
Role: Striker, providing goals and experience in the first half of the season.
Impact: Contributed with goals and a strong presence in attack before his departure.

Manager: Jose Mourinho

Leading the team was Jose Mourinho, who had a clear tactical approach. Mourinho is a super experienced manager. He is known for his defensive organization and his ability to build a strong team spirit. His tactics often focused on a pragmatic approach, prioritizing defensive solidity and counter-attacking. He was in charge of the team, and he was known for his ability to build a strong team spirit. He made key decisions about tactics and team selection. The overall approach was to ensure the team was strong defensively and to make sure the team could also use counter-attacking plays. The manager played a pivotal role in shaping the team's identity. His tactical decisions and player selections were important in determining the team's overall performance. This guy was a legend!

Tactical Analysis and Key Moments

Manchester United under Jose Mourinho in the 2017/18 season typically employed a 4-2-3-1 formation, which provided a solid defensive base while allowing for attacking flexibility. The team's defensive structure was well-organized, with a focus on compactness and quick transitions to attack. Key moments of the season included impressive wins against rivals and strong performances in the Champions League. However, inconsistency plagued the team's performance at times, and tactical adjustments were sometimes needed to overcome specific opponents. The team's ability to create and convert chances was also a factor, with the attack often relying on individual brilliance. Mourinho's tactics focused on defensive solidity and counter-attacking, which had its successes, but also its limitations. The team's tactical approach was crucial in determining their success throughout the season. The team's ability to adapt to different opponents was also important. The ability to switch tactics during games showed the versatility of the team. The tactics were very important, especially when they faced their rivals.

Overall Performance and Conclusion

In conclusion, the 2017/18 season for Manchester United was a mixed bag. The team showed glimpses of brilliance, with some impressive performances and results. However, consistency was an issue, and they fell short of winning any major trophies. The squad had a good blend of experience and emerging talent. David de Gea was a standout performer, while the midfield and attack had their moments of quality. Despite the challenges, the season was a testament to the talent and potential of the players, and a reminder of the passion and dedication of the fans. It was a season of ups and downs, but it was also a memorable one for the club. The season was filled with memorable moments. The players and the manager gave it their all. The fans really supported them. It was a truly unforgettable season! So, that's it, guys. Hope you enjoyed this trip down memory lane! Let me know what you thought in the comments!