A difficult start to the new season included defeats to Brighton and Brentford, but Erik ten Hag’s Reds have registered two important wins in recent days. 

An Old Trafford victory against rivals Liverpool kick-started the campaign last Monday night and another a battling performance at Southampton helped us to grind out three more points on Saturday. 

Those morale-boosting wins both came as a result of strong collective efforts, but there were several standout contributors within. 

You can select your Player of the Month from our shortlist via the poll below, and also recap their respective performances...

TYRELL MALACIA 

Our first signing of the summer backed up a bright pre-season with the Reds when competitive action got under way this month.

Malacia made his club debut as a late substitute in the opening-weekend meeting with Brighton and performed respectively in the second half of our away trip to Brentford, having been introduced as one of three half-time changes.

But it was when the young full-back was handed his first start against Liverpool that his qualities really began to shine, producing a tenacious and enthusiastic showing to keep the right side of the Merseysiders’ attack quiet in a 2-1 win for United.

His performance earned praise from club legends Rio Ferdinand and Patrice Evra, and that showing wasn’t to be a one-off either, as the 23-year-old followed it up with another effective effort in the narrow triumph at Southampton, helping the side claim a first clean sheet of 2022/23.

LISANDRO MARTINEZ

The summer signing from Ajax has quickly become a favourite among United fans in his first month of competitive action.

Like Malacia, our new no.6 made his club debut in the opener versus Brighton and played the first half of a tough trip to Brentford.

Despite a difficult start to the season, Martinez was able to show his capabilities on the ball and in the air, and he was commended by his manager for his early efforts in the side. 

Lisandro was voted our Man of the Match against Liverpool and he earned that same award at Southampton, highlighting the supporters' growing admiration for the Argentina international.

RAPHAEL VARANE

After building his physicality in pre-season via a training plan agreed with Ten Hag, the Frenchman has made an assured and encouraging start to the new campaign.

Varane’s first appearance came from the bench at Brentford and, after steadying the ship on that difficult afternoon, he notably came into the starting XI for the visit of Liverpool.

Raphael showed his authority and quality in defence as United defeated the Merseysiders, before he helped the Reds to keep a clean sheet at Southampton and record back-to-back Premier League wins.

There is plenty of competition for places, of course, but right now the shirt is Varane's to lose and he is quickly becoming an influential player under the new manager.