As the transfer season reaches its exciting climax, Manchester United are still to secure the signature of any big name player, despite masses of rumours. Names such as Fabregas, Garay, Ronaldo, Bale, Lewandowski, Baines and Fellaini have all been linked without any move coming to fruition. There is a real possibility that David Moyes could begin our Premiership title defence against Swansea with an almost identical squad to last year.
As of today, only Wilfried Zaha will be a fresh face, whilst Wayne Rooney could be donning a blue shirt in London. Would our side still be good enough to challenge the likes of Chelsea, Man City, Arsenal and even Tottenham? Arsenal perhaps could be our closest rivals, themselves annoyed at a lack of transfer activity after many strong links with big name players. Tottenham may even challenge our league position, with or without Gareth Bale, as they have made several fantastic acquisitions. I am going to take a look at our probable starting line for next season, should no transfers occur, and give each player a rating out of ten.
David de Gea – 9/10 – I think he is a quality young goalkeeper, one who is destined to be the best in his position for years to come. The best shot-stopper in the league for me, he now seems to have reduced the error count and become a truly class goalkeeper.
Rafael da Silva – 7/10 – The young Brazilian was fantastic last year, but his temperament and big game performance still leave something to be desired. A player who could be a first choice for Brazil sooner rather than later, so therefore a player worthy of our first XI.
Jonny Evans – 8/10 – A criminally underrated centre-half, he has been one of our best players over the past two seasons when injuries have plagued the back line. Probably a starter over Rio in the league.
Nemanja Vidic – 9/10 – He has had an awful time of it over the past few years with injury, but when he plays he still seems to be at his best. He is a true captain, one who will put his body on the line for the team in order to win at all costs.
Patrice Evra – 8/10 – At one point it looked as though our stand-in captain was back off to his old side Monaco, but now I am glad he is still ours, especially with an apparent move for Baines off the cards. One of the best left backs in the league still, possibly only Cole is better.
Michael Carrick – 9/10 – Like Evans, Carrick is criminally underrated as he has been our star performer over the last two years. He is one of the best passers in English football and a player who should play internationally more often.
Luis Antonio Valencia – 7/10 – Once a feared winger after his big money move from Wigan, now a quiet winger who has done very little over the past couple of seasons. His pace and direct play can still be effective but the sight of him using these skills are becoming a rarity.
Shinji Kagawa – 9/10 – He may not have had a good season last year, but I predict big things for the Japanese starlet. He has the potential to be a world class attacking midfielder for us and the missed signings of Fabregas and Thiago may be the making of him.
Tom Cleverley – 7/10 – A decent player, but there is not much else to say unfortunately. He seems to look calm and assured in the league but in big European games he seems quiet and rushed in possession. I am not sure that he is Utd class.
Wayne Rooney – 10/10 – Although the odds are high that he will not be a Utd player next year, should the transfer squabble be resolved, surely he will be a starter next year. Our most gifted player still, one with amazing vision and an unquestionable record at even the highest level.
Robin van Persie – 10/10 – The Dutchman with the sharpest shooting boots in England, the past three seasons have been incredible for the experienced striker. If injury free, next season all but guarantees 20+ goals again.
Bench: Anders Lindegaard 7/10, Rio Ferdinand 8/10, Phil Jones 8/10, Anderson 6/10, Ryan Giggs 7/10, Danny Welbeck 7/10, Javier Hernandez 8/10
It is still a very good squad but one with plenty of room for improvement in key areas, midfield especially. I do worry that others may have leapfrogged above us in terms of quality, but with our desire to win, you can never write us off to win the league.
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