Ever since Sir Alex Ferguson retired after his glorious spell in charge, it has been blindingly obvious that the man replacing him in the managerial position at Manchester United would have his work cut out. David Moyes is the man finding out that his seat is considerably hotter than it was when Ferguson was sat upon it.
Below I will put forward my best starting line-up for United, something which I believe Moyes is still trying to figure out himself.
David De Gea – Following a slightly shaky start to his United career, he has now established himself as one of the best around.
Rafael – Regarded as one of the best right-backs in the Premier League, Rafael is quick, good in the tackle, has a good shot and is an all-round good defender.
Nemanja Vidic – Captain, leader, and a very strong defender. Has had his share of injury issues, but he is the perfect man to fit in that CB spot.
Phil Jones – Young, powerful, deceptively quick and has a real hunger for victory. Fearless in the challenge, he can also play in midfield but I see his long-term future being at the heart of the defence.
Patrice Evra – Evra is often on the end of criticism but at present United don’t have a better option at left back. Although he is getting older, he is still quick, has a good delivery into the box and defends solidly. Unless there is a renewed bid for Leighton Baines in January, Evra is currently the best option.
Michael Carrick – Absolutely no doubt here. Carrick is in the form of his life. A brilliant passer of the ball, he has great vision and operates in the deeper role allowing those further forward to function and sometimes, as the song goes – It’s hard to believe it’s not Scholes.
Marouane Fellaini/Tom Cleverley – Fellaini is new to the club following his big-money move from Everton, but he can be a great talent on his day. Frequent rotation of him and Tom will be appropriate throughout the season. Cleverley is a player with fantastic potential. Similar in style to Paul Scholes, he can join in the attack as well as being efficient in possession. Fellaini is still to fully settle into his new surroundings but look for him to be going full speed towards the Christmas season.
Antonio Valencia – Down the right wing, at present, only one man fits the bill. Pace, strength, stamina, this guy’s got everything, he just needs to rediscover his form of old and with Wilfried Zaha not quite there in terms of starting just yet, he needs to do so soon.
Shinji Kagawa – You cannot leave Kagawa out any longer. Blessed with fantastic vision, technical skill, and attacking versatility, Kagawa is a fine player and it is now up to Moyes to get the best out of him.
Wayne Rooney – Another player who is in the form of his life. This man is the one who can lift United after their below par start to the season. Capable of playing anywhere in an attacking sense, Rooney’s partnership with Robin Van Persie will be absolutely crucial to United’s chances.
Robin Van Persie/Javier Hernandez – Being somewhat injury prone of late, RVP may not be fit for every game, leaving room for Hernandez to step in and do what he does best. Always looking to attack and play on the last man’s shoulder, Hernandez is and instinctive forward in a similar vein to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. When RVP is fit though, there is no hesitation in picking him.
SUBS:
Lindegaard, Januzaj, Smalling, Evans, Nani, Welbeck, Young.
Utilising the squad to give United a chance to win in every competition that they are in will be a major challenge for new manager Moyes and it will be a massive test of his managerial credentials. Let’s now see if he can handle the intense pressure, not to mention the looming shadow of his predecessor being cast from the stands.
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