How likely each player is to help the team win the Premier League.
There is much excitement around Manchester United currently as after their worst ever Premier League finish in 2013/14, improvements are expected this time around.
This is largely down to the fact that Louis van Gaal has been appointed as the club’s new manager, whilst Ander Herrera and Luke Shaw have already been signed from Athletic Bilbao and Southampton respectively.
Many think that United could regain the league title this term, so CaughtOffside takes a look at the Red Devils squad and has marked each player out of 10 as to how likely they are to help achieve that.
Goalkeepers
David de Gea – 7/10
Despite the poor showing of his team last season, de Gea was actually among the few players that seemed to improve and the Spaniard is now an assured presence between the posts.
Anders Lindegaard – 4/10
Was once challenging for the No.1 spot, but has seen his form dip greatly since then and is now nothing more than a bit-part player at the club.
Ben Amos – 3/10
Still unproven despite the fact the Englishman is actually six months older than de Gea.
Defenders
Jonny Evans – 6/10
Perhaps the centre-back at the club with the most assurance at the back following the departure of Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic and the Northern Irishman could well have an important role to play.
Phil Jones – 6/10
Now aged 22-years-old and Jones hasn’t quite lived up to the expectation from when United first signed him from Blackburn Rovers and improvements are needed even though the talent is there.
Rafael – 6/10
The only recognised right-back left at the Theatre of Dreams and it remains to be seen whether competition will be bought in for the Brazilian or not.
Luke Shaw – 7/10
Now the most expensive teenager of all time and following the sale of Patrice Evra to Juventus the 19-year-old will be expected to star immediately in the starting XI.
Chris Smalling – 5/10
Probably the weakest link at the back and a player who may find under van Gaal that his often nervy performances will not be tolerated.
Central midfielders
Michael Carrick – 7/10
Although last term was a bit off for the England international, he is still among the best midfield players at the club and in the right role could rekindle his PFA Team of the Year performances of 2012/13.
Tom Cleverley – 4/10
Accused the British media of using him as a scapegoat for the Red Devils’ poor displays last campaign, but the simple fact is Cleverley is not good enough to be at the club.
Marouane Fellaini – 5/10
Has struggled to deal with having been signed for £27.5m in what was seen as a desperation buy on transfer deadline day 12 months ago and is unlikely to improve.
Darren Fletcher – 5/10
A firm favourite among the fans and has struggled with illness for the past few years, but now aged 29 the Scotland captain looks a little out of his depth.
Ander Herrera – 7/10
Signed for £29m to instill the creativity into midfield that was so desperately lacking last season and arrives from Spain with a glowing reputation.
Attacking midfielders
Adnan Januzaj – 6/10
There was much excitement around the 19-year-old when he scored two league goals on his debut, but progress has been slow since then.
Shinji Kagawa – 6/10
Has failed to truly find his place at the club under two different bosses now and the Japan international will be hoping van Gaal is the man to kick-start his career.
Juan Mata – 8/10
Signed as a club record signing in January for £37.1m and the Spaniard’s influence will be crucial in the side if they are to achieve success.
Nani – 5/10
Barely used last term and the Portuguese winger’s future at the club grows increasingly uncertain as each day passes.
Nick Powell – 3/10
Had a solid year on-loan with Wigan Athletic in 2013/14 and still aged just 20-years-old could well be sent out again this year to improve a little more.
Antonio Valencia – 5/10
Often dubbed as United’s most consistent wide man even Valencia looked lost last campaign and the South American could find himself ousted in van Gaal’s new tactics.
Ashley Young – 4/10
Has been really poor for some time and would struggle to get into most XIs in the English top tier, never mind the Red Devils’.
Wilfried Zaha – 4/10
Was Sir Alex Ferguson’s last ever signing, but then proceeded to fallout with David Moyes and now the future of Zaha is pretty much unknown.
Forwards
Javier Hernandez – 6/10
Became fourth choice at Old Trafford last season and understandably the Mexican was left frustrated, but for a poacher there is no one better at the club that ‘Chicharito.’
Wayne Rooney – 9/10
Is in line to be named as Vidic’s successor as captain and having also become the highest paid player in England will be expected to start showing he is worth it.
Robin van Persie – 9/10
Arguably the finest striker in the division and someone who has a great working relationship with van Gaal and that should help the club no end.
Danny Welbeck – 6/10
Added an eye for goal to his ever growing skill-set over the past year and Welbeck is turning into one of the finest technical players in the England national team.
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