Manchester United have played a total of 48 games this season, (stats correct as at 29-03-2016) and here is a breakdown of the games played so far
30 Premier League matches
8 UEFA Champions League matches
4 UEFA Europa League matches
4 FA Cup matches
2 League Cup matches.
While some players have played just a few games for United this season due to injury, presence of other senior players in their position and consistency, some players have featured in almost every game for United.
Redlyunited brings you a list of the five most capped United players this season so far.
5. David De Gea:
Played 38 of the 48 games so far
The Manchester United shot stopper has been in magnificent form for United so far. He didn't started the season as United's number one, due to his transfer Saga with Real Madrid. Hence he missed a lot of games at the start of the season.
The saga is long over, and he has signed a new contract with United.
He returned to the team, and has been United's best savior this season on countless occasions.
The hastag #davesaves is almost sure to trend on twitter anytime United play.
He has kept 11clean sheets in 26 Premier League matches this season. He hasn't collected any card in the League this season.
Imagine where United would be on the Premier League table without De Gea.
4. Anthony Martial :
Played 39 of 48 games so far.
When the then relatively unknown teenage forward joined United for a transfer record fee of £36 million,
potentially rising to £58 million, the highest paid for any teenager, a lot felt Van Gaal took that decision in a rush.
He however silent all critics when he came on as a substitute on his debut against Liverpool and scored a beautiful goal.
He followed that up by scoring two goals on his full debut eight days latter against Southampton. Martial ended up scoring four goals in his first four matches, and needed no more introduction to defenders in the League.
At the time of signing him, pundits and fans won't believe he would have played so much games for United in his first season.
He has since scored 12 goals for United in his 39 games with three assists to his credit.
Martial has only been yellow carded once in the league for United this season.
3. Chris Smalling
Played 42 of 48 games so far
In other words, Smalling has missed only six United games this season, playing 27 of the total 30 league matches for United so far.
At the start of the season, lot of fans felt United would have a lot of problems in defence. Van Gaal signed a number of midfielders but no defender.
A lot of such doubters have been proved wrong with the performance of players like Smalling. He has been a rock in the United defence all through the season. He's been luck with injuries too.
And his partnership with Daley Blind have blossomed. He has always shown the potentials even when playing alongside Rio Ferdinand and Vidic. The question was will he ever get to his personal climax?
Yes. This season, the Englishman has gotten to that expected level.
He can walk into the England camp, with the confidence of starting games for the Three Lions.
According to Squawka, he has won 51% of his duels this season and has an average pass accuracy of 82%.
2. Juan Mata
Played 43 of 48 games so far
Do you know Juan Mata has featured in all (30) Manchester United's League matches this season. Yes, he has.
The Spanish playmaker started in 27 of the 30, and was a substitute in the remaining 3.
He has been a constant figure for United this season, though he has struggled for consistency at times. He has been one of the major beneficiary of Wayne Rooney's injury, and has gradually made the number 10 spot his.
He has scored five league goals and has four league assist.
According to squawka, Mata has created 41 chances and has an average pass accuracy of 89%.
Mata collected the first red card of his professional career this season.
1. Daley Blind
Played 44 of 48 games so far
The Dutchman alongside Chris Smalling have been the brain and leg behind United's enviable defensive record.
The defender has missed only four games for United so far this season.
At the start of the season a lot of fans questioned Van Gaal continued use of his countrymen as a defender, but with time, Blind has shown how brilliant a defender he can be.
He still shuttles between the centre and left back depending on injuries and players available, but he has shown this season that he is a highly dependable defender. He has been lucky with injuries and has made few mistakes in defence.
His ability to hold on to the ball, cleverly bring the ball out of the defence, play long passes and shots have distinguished him out of the United defenders. He also takes the corners for United, which is a plus to him as a defender.
According to Squawka, Blind has a 100% shot accuracy in the League this season.
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