---
title: "Player of the Month: August"
canonical: "https://readmanutd.com/2015/09/04/player-month-august/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
section: "Features"
published: "2015-09-04T08:52:18Z"
modified: "2015-09-04T11:10:12Z"
---

# Player of the Month: August

Having played four Premier League games, Manchester United find themselves in a decent position in the table; but many through luck. With 7 points, the Red Devils have won twice, drawn and lost once – scoring only three goals. Their points tally is 5 behind that of Manchester City but thanks to the poor performances of Wenger’s Arsenal and Mourinho’s Chelsea, van Gaal’s men aren’t too badly off.

Some of our writers have selected their player of the month for August and here they are:

**Matt Brown**

My player of the month for August is **Luke Shaw**. The whole defence has been exceptional in most games so far this season, but the former Southampton full-back has been outstanding in both defence and attack.

His surging runs down the left have been key in our attacking play, even leading to United’s goal against Swansea. He has shown pace and strength in his position but fantastic defensive instincts in his role as well.

![Clive Brunskill/Getty Images Sport](https://media.readmanutd.com/readmanutd/2015/09/484840548.jpg)

Chris Smalling also deserves a mention for his commanding performances at centre-back, but I’ve chosen Shaw because of just how much he has improved on last season. Matteo Darmian has also started the season well in the other full-back position, but I think there’s more to come from him.

If his fantastic form does continue, it shall be the season of Luke Shaw, as Louis van Gaal [said in July](https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/it-shall-season-luke-shaw-6153870).

**Reginaldo Rosario**

My player of the month is definitely **Chris Smalling**. The “Maidstone Maldini” has carried his exceptional form from the end of last season, and has helped solidify the Reds’ defence alongside Daley Blind. Establishing himself as United’s number one centre-back, the 25-year old has become a leader in own right, marshalling the defence superbly as United only conceded three goals in all competitions. Manager Louis van Gaal named him as United’s third captain a few days ago, and comparisons to Rio Ferdinand aren’t far off the mark, with Smalling’s pace, strength and reading of the game reminding United fans of Ferdinand in his prime. The likes of Harry Kane and Rudy Gestede were dealt with easily by Smalling, and if he can continue his form, he’ll be right among the Premier League’s top defenders.

![Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images Sport](https://media.readmanutd.com/readmanutd/2015/09/485191878.jpg)

**Ady Tranter**

My player of the month for August is **Matteo Darmian**, he has slotted into right back effortlessly and looks like he has been with us for years.

Full-backs who can both attack and defend are a dying breed as they are usually good going forward but non-existent when we lose the ball (Rafael, Ivanovic to name a few) but Darmian has been excellent in both areas. His crossing needs a little bit of work however but that will come with time.

I believe he will be our modern day Dennis Irwin (without the penalties) who consistently put in an 8/10 performance in every game.

![Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images Sport](https://media.readmanutd.com/readmanutd/2015/09/485399022.jpg)

He looks like the right back we have been crying out for since Gary Neville and at only 25 he can only get better.

For £14 million he is looking like one of the buys of the season and him and Luke Shaw are the best full-back pairing in the league in my eyes.

**James Browning**

My August player of the month is without a doubt **Chris Smalling.** In my eyes, he’s the only player who has stood out in every game so far this season – he’s consistently impressed and I’d put our four clean sheets so far down to him.

![Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images Sport](https://media.readmanutd.com/readmanutd/2015/09/485191856.jpg)

His leadership of that back four in the absence of the commanding David de Gea has been absolutely pivotal and he’s yet to be bettered by any opposition player.

If he’s part of not England’s first choice back four, I’d be very surprised. In this form, he’d improve any team in the league; he’s certainly better than Zouma and Cahill at Chelsea, and for me edges Vincent Kompany at Manchester City at the moment.

***Read Man Utd’s August Player of the Month: Chris Smalling.***