Despite Manchester United’s recent return to form in the Premier League; I am still not convinced that David Moyes knows his best team. This is understandable, given his appointment was little over 3 months ago and once again, injuries have blighted the chances of putting out a fully fit side; especially defensively. Fortunately, United’s strength in depth has allowed the team to remain competitive but I’m going to suggest what I think would be the clubs strongest 11 if all members of the team were fit.
Goalkeeper: no question at all here, David de Gea is not only United’s best goalkeeper, but arguably one of the best keepers in the world; all at the tender age of 22. His 100th United appearance is coming up; a true testament to a young man who has had to deal with his fair share of critics after some shaky early times at Old Trafford. Hopefully he will remain the club’s no.1 for years to come.
Right Back: Rafael da Silva – The little Brazilian just gets the nod over Phil Jones on the basis that it is not the Englishman’s primary position and the former presents a much more potent attacking threat. He has been in and out of the United side so far this year in one of the most competitive positions in the side; with not only Jones but Chris Smalling along with Rafael’s twin Fabio also providing cover.
Centre Back: Jonny Evans – just about gets the nod over Rio Ferdinand for his young head and consistency. A real mainstay at the back, perfect given Rio and Nemanja’s injury problems of the past few years. Evans is also a product of United’s famed youth academy.
Centre Back: Nemanja Vidic – Who else? The current United side looks nowhere near as strong without the Serbian warrior at the heart of defence – without Vidic there would be no title challenge; simple as that. An incredibly vital player and leader.
Left Back: Patrice Evra – no competition here really. Despite the rumours of a bid for Leighton Baines, Evra has continued to churn out consistent performances down the left hand side; causing problems at both ends of the pitch for the opposition. Alexander Buttner and Fabio da Silva don’t even get a look in.
Central Defensive Midfielder: Michael Carrick – Probably the team’s best player over the past 3 years – how England continuously overlook him is beyond me? Made the second most forward passes in Europe last year after Xavi of Barcelona; proving his quality. Also not afraid to get stuck in defensively or offer cover at Centre Back when needed.
Right Midfielder: Antonio Valencia – just gets the nod over Adnan Januzaj on the basis that the Belgian has only a handful of first team games under his belt. Electric pace and consistent hitting of the byline is what Tony does best, his work rate going backwards cannot be underestimated either.
Left Midfielder: Danny Welbeck – interesting choice, I know, but I feel the young Englishman finally needs to be put out wide left permanently to realise his true potential as a footballer. Clearly he does not possess the eye for goal required to be a top class striker but his work rate and dribbling skills mean he could become a top quality winger.
Central Attacking Midfielder: Shinji Kagawa – David Moyes needs to realise that the magic Japanese attacker needs to play centrally to help the team. Too often he is shipped out wide where he rarely sees the ball in the little pockets of space he needs to create chances. Play him centrally, RVP will have a field day with the amount of chances Kagawa will create with his class vision and dribbling skills.
Striker/Free Role: Wayne Rooney – along with Kagawa, Rooney should be allowed to float between RVP and the midfield, creating chances galore whilst tucking away a fair few himself. Probably has the best vision of any player in the Premier League. By the end of his career, Wazza might be classed as United’s best ever player.
Striker: Robin Van Persie: no prizes for guessing that was coming. Who else but the debut season hero? RVP will get 20 goals a season without breaking into a sweat, especially with Kagawa and Rooney in behind him creating space and making chances appear out of nothing.
Bench: Anders Lindegaard, Phil Jones, Rio Ferdinand, Marouane Fellaini, Tom Cleverley, Adnan Januzaj, Javier Hernandez.
Special Mentions: Ryan Giggs, Nani, Ashley Young, Anderson, Chris Smalling, Darren Fletcher, Ben Amos.
That’s what I think Manchester United’s best side is; how about you? Feel free to leave comments below.
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