Despite it being a difficult period on the pitch, there were still some stand-out performances at times and our shortlist features Casemiro, Diogo Dalot and Bruno Fernandes.

Others were in also in the frame for inclusion, including Academy graduate Hannibal for the first time, but we opted for the Brazil midfielder and our two Portugal internationals, in recognition of their efforts across the last few weeks.

You can help to influence who wins the award by voting in our poll below.

CASEMIRO
6 games / 3 goals / 1 assist / 1 MOTM

The experienced star was MUTV pundit Sammy McIlroy's choice for the trophy, after starting all six games. He surely produced the outstanding individual performance of September, a midfield masterclass in the 3-0 victory over Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup. Not only did he score with a bullet header, from Mason Mount's corner, but he also provided a delightful assist for Anthony Martial's half-volley.

Casemiro is actually our leading scorer this term, in all competitions, as he also claimed a double in the 4-3 defeat at Bayern Munich, in our UEFA Champions League opener. In addition to somehow finding the net while on the ground, he also showed his prowess from set-pieces again to nod in Fernandes's free-kick with virtually the last touch of the game.

It perhaps should not be forgotten that was also his through ball that released Alejandro Garnacho to score at Arsenal, even though it was, ulitmately, disallowed by VAR for offside.

DIOGO DALOT
6 games / 1 assist

There could certainly be a case made that Dalot has been the most consistent performer across the six matches, being included in all of the starting XIs and reverting to right-back after showing his versatility by operating on the opposite flank against Arsenal.

The defender helped us keep successive clean sheets, against Burnley and in the cup game with Palace, and assisted the opening goal in the latter. Bursting on to a pass by Facundo Pellistri, he then crossed for Garnacho to find the net.

Even in the most recent outing, the 1-0 reverse to the Eagles in the Premier League on Saturday, he was one of the best performers in a red shirt on the day, setting up one of our clearest chances to draw level, a header off target by Mount.

BRUNO FERNANDES
5 games / 1 goal / 1 assist / 1 MOTM

Always giving 100 per cent, the skipper missed a rare game when sitting out the Carabao Cup third-round tie with Palace. In the previous fixture, he had won our Man of the Match award with a stirring display at Turf Moor, and the sumptuous volley from Jonny Evans's visionary pass was the undoubted highlight of our September.

There was also an assist, curling in the free-kick that Casemiro converted in the dying embers of the Champions League loss away to Bayern Munich, and only a fine save by Sam Johnstone denied him a goal in the frustrating defeat to Palace last Saturday.

Fernandes is looking to win the award for the second successive month, after topping the fans' poll for August.

The last Red to claim the first two Player of the Month accolades at the start of a season was Luke Shaw, back in 2018/19.

The winner will be announced on Thursday, across our various platforms, including the United App and ManUtd.com.