Manchester United stars past and present make the first Team of the Week this season

FA Women’s Super League striker and Wales international Helen Ward packs her first top performing side of the season with Premier League debutants and familiar faces in new colours.

Goalkeeper: Jonas Lössl (Huddersfield)

A very assured PL debut for the Terriers. He had big gloves to fill after Liverpool loanee Danny Ward’s play-off final heroics at the end of last season, but he made crucial saves to preserve the new boys’ clean sheet and see them on their way to an impressive 3 points against Crystal Palace.

Right-back: Kyle Walker-Peters (Tottenham Hotspur)

I almost went for his £50million namesake after his first start for Manchester City, but the Spurs youngster pipped him to the post with a MOTM performance on his league debut against Newcastle.

Centre-back: Ahmed Hegazy (West Bromwich Albion)

What better way to introduce yourself then with a commanding performance at the back and a fine finish to win the game? A strong and solid signing by Tony Pulis, who helped to seal a clean sheet on a weekend where defending wasn’t popular.

Centre-back: Phil Jones (Manchester United)

Although he wasn’t tested hugely by the West Ham front line, the England defender was excellent when called upon. He’s often unfancied by his own fans but has laid down a claim to challenge the likes of Eric Bailly, Chris Smalling and new boy, Victor Lindelof, for a starting spot at the heart of United’s defence.

Left-back: Ben Davies (Tottenham Hotspur)

After all the talk of Spurs’ full back ‘problems’ over the last week or so, you’d be forgiven for thinking they have no options. Yet, Ben Davies has repeatedly shown for both club and country how assured he is and he played more than his part in the Lillywhite’s victory at St James’ Park, keeping a clean sheet and popping up with the second goal of the game.

Centre-midfield: Jack Cork (Burnley)

Yet another debutant impressing on the opening day. Jack Cork left Chelsea without kicking a ball for the first team, but he came back with Burnley and was excellent in the middle. He set up Stephen Ward’s goal with a wonderful pass for the second, and looks like a classy signing from Swansea.

Centre-midfield: Abdoulaye Dacoure (Watford)

As a Watford fan, I wasn’t sure how often I could justify a Hornets player in the team of the week, but anyone at the Vic would have seen how good the Frenchman was. He looks to have already formed an excellent partnership with Nathaniel Chalobah, his work rate was phenomenal and has also improved hugely in possession. He very much deserved his goal and I wouldn’t be surprised to see international recognition at some stage if his rate of improvement carries on.

Centre-midfield: Nemanja Matic (Manchester United)

What an absolute steal from Chelsea. I just cannot see why they’d let him go so easily. He ran the show in a simple but very effective manner, allowing Pogba the freedom to roam and offered protection to the back four. He’s sure to be a huge player for Mourinho.

Forward: Romelu Lukaku (Manchester United)

He arrived with a huge price tag and weight of expectation on his shoulders but looked at home right from the off. The Belgian marked his league debut for United with two good finishes and could’ve possibly had a hat trick. He offers a threat which has been missing from Old Trafford for a couple of seasons and looked the real deal.

Forward: Wayne Rooney (Everton)

Forgive me for my sentimentality with this one but I just had to put him in. It was the fairy-tale return to Goodison Park for Rooney. A terrific header capped off an excellent all-round performance.

Forward: Sam Vokes (Burnley)

Another two-goal hero — Vokes’ threat in the penalty area is clear to see, but to do it twice at the home of the champions is a rare occurrence. The 27-year-old offered a great platform for the away side to build attacks and finished his chances expertly. He was key to Burnley equalling their away wins record for last season at the first attempt.

 

You can follow Helen on Twitter @helenwardie10