Five stand-out performers from the United squad.
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5) Jonny Evans
Although always a reliable squad player, Jonny Evans is a player who will need to step up this season after the departures of Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand. The 26-year-old has shown plenty of promise in pre-season so far as he looks to persuade new manager Louis van Gaal that he does not need to spend big on high-profile transfer targets in defence such Mats Hummels and Thomas Vermaelen. Evans has certainly made the most of this opportunity so far, with United looking solid at the back in their games so far.
4) Darren Fletcher
Another squad player with something to prove this season, Darren Fletcher has often been first choice for United in the past, but now needs to work his way back into the starting lineup again after a long spell out with illness. The Scottish international is one of the few players in this squad that can offer both defensive work rate and quality in the final third from the middle of the park, and may show United that they don’t need to spend big on a new midfielder like Arturo Vidal. So far he has done a good job in van Gaal’s new-look setup, and looks ready to be a real leader on the pitch again.
3) Juan Mata
After a surprise move from Chelsea in the middle of last season, now is Juan Mata’s time to really become a creative force for this United side. The Spaniard was a superb performer during his time at Stamford Bridge, and already looks to be benefitting from van Gaal’s management of the side, enjoying the freedom to express himself and link up with the likes of Wayne Rooney to good effect. If he can maintain this form, he will be a key player to give the Red Devils more cause for optimism in the 2014/15 campaign.
2) Wayne Rooney
After a difficult time for the club as a whole under David Moyes last season, followed by a poor showing for England at the World Cup, Wayne Rooney has silenced some critics in pre-season so far with his performances for United. The 28-year-old has linked up well with others in the United attack, looking comfortable in van Gaal’s experimental formations. Importantly, he has found the back of the net with ease, and will be hoping to get back into 25+ goals a season territory this year. The arrival of a new manager may be just what Rooney needed to spark him back to life, which will be good news for the crowd at Old Trafford this term.
1) Ashley Young
A real surprise of the pre-season tour so far, Ashley Young has excelled in a new role as a wing-back for United. Despite looking certain to be sold this summer after a disappointing career at Old Trafford up until now, Young may now have shown that he is the answer for van Gaal on either side in his 3-5-2 formation. United fans will be hoping this run continues, as it would certainly save them another signing before the end of this transfer window.