Player of the Month shortlist explained

 

December's winner of the award has submitted another stellar month as the creative fulcrum of Solskjaer's side. His two goals might only have been spot-kicks, but each was crucial - the first putting United ahead in the tight match against Brighton and the second laying the foundation for the late onslaught that would eke out a point against Burnley. But, if we're really being honest, Paul could have done just one thing this month and it would have surely been enough to earn him a nomination.

 

Yes, we're talking about that pass against Tottenham Hotspur at Wembley. The only goal of the superb win at Spurs was finished sublimely by Marcus Rashford, but Pogba's glorious, arcing, widescreen pass had the purists purring for days. But the Frenchman is also showing other sides to his football. Against Burnley, he could be seen encouraging and instructing his team-mates to raise the tempo, to press and to get the ball forward more quickly. As the manager said earlier, this month: "He's captain material." While January didn't feature the midfielder scoring the goals from open play he did last month, we're seeing a greater depth and maturity to his contribution.

 

This month's top scorer has been in blistering form, and his stunning solo effort against Brighton was arguably January's best individual moment. His decisive one-on-one finish at Newcastle made three vital points secure and, a week later, he applied the finish Paul Pogba's sensational assist deserved against Tottenham at Wembley. But Marcus's tireless running, intelligent movement and magical skills have all been essential to the quick, fluid football we've seen under Solskjaer thus far.

 

Factor in his ever-improving, Ronaldo-like free-kicks – which played a crucial role in the month's very first goal, at Newcastle - and it's evident that United have a player that's improving every week. Against Burnley, he showed his willingness to adapt for the team, in his less favoured position of left wing, but Rashford will be delighted with a month that's seen him flourishing as the spearhead of the Reds' attack.