These ten ‘stars’ aren’t good enough for Old Trafford and should be ditched as part of Moyes’ rebuilding project.
1o. Rio Ferdinand
The former England captain is yesterday’s man. In United’s recent clash with Olympiakos, Ferdinand was dreadful and the 2-0 defeat in Athens could prove to be one of his last appearances for the club. At 35, the baseball-cap enthusiast is well past it and United will not renew his contract when it expires this summer. A career as a pundit, possibly after a final payday in MLS or the Middle East, beckons for Rio.
9. Antonio Valencia
The Ecuadorian was a model of consistent under Sir Alex Ferguson but, despite David Moyes’ fondness for crosses into the box, Valencia has been bang average this term. The 28-year-old has picked up more bookings in the league than combined goals and assists. His versatility (he can operate at right back) and the inconsistency of the club’s other wingers may prove Valencia’s saving grace, but he doesn’t look good enough.
8. Wilfried Zaha
Fergie signed the promising Englishman as a replacement for Nani but Moyes promptly handed the Portuguese a new contract and sidelined Zaha, much to the winger’s frustration. At 21-year-old, there is still plenty of time for Zaha to improve but Moyes clearly doesn’t rate him and the former Crystal Palace star has done little in his four appearances on loan at Cardiff to suggest the Scot has made a costly misjudgement. Indeed, Zaha was dropped to the bench by Bluebirds boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer for the defeat at Tottenham and he mays struggle to win back his place before the end of the campaign.
7. Ryan Giggs
A model professional and a United legend; it’s difficult to find the words to sum up Giggs’ contribution to United but at 40, it’s time for the Welshman to move aside. It’s probably fair to say Giggs should have called it a day along with Ferguson and Paul Scholes last summer but at the end of this season, his time will surely be up and he’ll join the coaching staff.
6. Alexander Buttner
One of Fergie’s stranger signings simply doesn’t appear to have the quality to succeed at Old Trafford. Even with the ageing Patrice Evra ahead of him, the Dutchman has manage a miserable two starts all season and Moyes should put him out of his misery.
5. Nani
The winger was handed a new deal by Moyes last summer, perhaps in the hope that renewed faith would see Nani add some consistency to his erratic performances. But the former Sporting Lisbon man has managed just five league starts all season, and has failed to provide a goal or assist, in his eight appearances. Nani is currently an expensive but pointless asset, and Moyes must sell to the highest bidder this summer.
4. Patrice Evra
The French veteran, 32, remains a consistent and occasionally brilliant performer for United but he is not the future. Evra’s deal expires in the summer and so far the Champions have shown no inclination to offer him a new deal. While the France international may be able to do a job next season, Moyes should look to the future and target a signing who can secure the left back for the next few years.
3. Ashley Young
Young is still capable of individuals moments of brilliance but it is telling that the former Aston Villa star has made more headlines for his theatrics than his goals so far this season. Two league goal – against Cardiff City & West Ham, both at Old Trafford – and not a single league assist suggest Young is not of the requisite quality to take United forward.
2. Tom Cleverley
The much-maligned England international gets more stick than he deserves, particularly from Three Lions fans. But the uncomfortable truth is that Cleverley is derided because he doesn’t appear to do a great deal and his one goal and no assists, even from a defensive midfield role, is simply not good enough for Manchester United.
1. Shinji Kagawa
Kagawa is probably the most talented player on this list but the Japan international is unlikely to be given a chance to shine in his favoured number 10 role now that Juan Mata has joined the club and Wayne Rooney has signed a new deal. Rather than trying to fit Kagawa into his team, Moyes should look to sell the former Dortmund star and use the funds to buy a player who fits his preferred system.