Manchester United’s most valuable player is not at all who you’d think it would be

Something to pop on the summertime CV.

The recent footballing redemptions for Ander Herrera, Juan Mata and Marouane Fellaini, at Manchester United, prompted us to find out how vital the trio have been to the club's recent charge to third spot. We consulted with the official Barclays Premier League match data and looked at the outfield players that have won their team the most points this season. Simply put, we looked at goals and assists of several United players and determined what result they would have got, most likely, had they not been on the pitch. The results left jaws agape at the SportsJOE offices. While David de Gea is far and away United's best, and most consistent, player this season, these outfield players have won Louis van Gaal's side the bulk of their 65 points: Yes, Angel Di Maria has been responsible for 14 of United's points haul. The bulk of his meaningful contributions arrived in what may forever be known as his golden era - September to November. However, Di Maria's recent cameos have resulted in two wins - thanks to three of his assists - against Liverpool and Burnley. Next best for United are Wayne Rooney and Juan Mata [11], while Ashley Young and Herrera [6], and Fellaini have come up with the goods in 2015.