Which Manchester United players have stood out in pre-season…
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10) Marouane Fellaini
No, this is not a type, Marouane Fellaini really did make this list. The Belgian by no means sparkled in pre-season, but the collective delight (relief) when he grabbed a late winner against Valencia earlier this week could act as a real morale booster.
9) Tyler Blackett
Has probably risen above Michael Keane in the rankings when it comes to being a back-up centre-half. Should be on the bench this weekend against Swansea.
8) Reece James
From relative obscurity to being first-team player for Manchester United. Injuries to Antonio Valencia and Luke Shaw give Reece James a very real opportunity of making the first XI against Swansea this weekend. Coped well against Valencia.
7) Phil Jones
Showed his quality with a solid performance against Liverpool. His distribution from back to front is good and he looked like a calm and assured presence against the attacking threat of their Premier League rivals.
6) Ashley Young
The ex-England winger has undergone a miraculous recovery and return to form under the management of Louis van Gaal, and now has a realistic chance of forcing his way back into the reckoning for both club and country.
5) Darren Fletcher
United’s new vice-captain has defied his critics and made the holding midfield role his own, taking full advantage of an injury to Michael Carrick. Having been among the candidates to leave the club he has now seemingly established himself as a key player.
4) Juan Mata
No longer needs to worry about fitting in because LVG is using him as a No10, and that can only be a good thing for Manchester United this season.
3) Ander Herrera
United needed a young defensive midfielder to come in and take some responsibility, but also show class and skill. He’s done exactly that, and looks to be the answer to the club’s biggest long term issue.
2) David de Gea
Has been given a big verbal backing by Van Gaal, and was solid throughout the tour. United’s only concern will be that the Spaniard’s progress means that there is very little competition for the club’s number one spot.
1) Wayne Rooney
Has look every bit United’s new club captain. The fans cheered and chanted his name every time he touched the ball against Valencia. He was the leading man throughout pre-season.
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