3 players to fire Manchester United to the title
After a less than impressive start to life without Sir Alex Ferguson, Manchester United find themselves in eighth place and eight points off top spot. It hasn’t been the ideal beginning for Moyes but it is foolish to rule United out, so which three players could be instrumental to firing them in the right direction?
David De Gea
With United’s defence looking extremely shaky this season, the Spaniards importance has increased. After a tricky first season, where every man and his dog were critics, De Gea has bulked up and is now up there as one of the best goalkeepers in the league. Eleven clean sheets last season were instrumental in United regaining the title from their neighbours City. Less than a goal a game was conceded and he had an 88% success rate when coming to claim the ball. That rate was even more impressive when you consider the difficulties he had in his debut season. This season he has excelled once more, although the league standings wouldn’t show it. Four goals shipped at City, and a further six in the other seven games doesn’t prove he is in good form, but the stats don’t always tell the truth. Some horror defending has left De Gea with little to no chance of saving some of the goals but some vital saves have kept the champions in several of the games. They will need this to continue you as they try and re-discover there killer touch.
Michael Carrick
Michael Carrick was a regular fixture in last season’s title winning side and was seen as a big reason for why United regained the league. His link between the defence and the attack proved vital and his defence splitting pass when finding Robin van Persie for THAT goal against Aston Villa when United secured the title, showed his wonderful passing ability. An 88% pass success rate also proves that as his creation of 33 chances for his fellow team mates. With everyone believing that United needed to sign a creative player, the onus will be on the England International to keep on creating chances, and boy, do United need them.
Wayne Rooney
At times last season Rooney cut an unfit, unhappy figure, despite United storming to another league title. It appeared that issues with Sir Alex had left him disillusioned, playing out of position didn’t suit him at all. Poor performances frustrated not only the boss but the fans as well and his exclusion for the Champions League match with Real Madrid fuelled further rumours that he might be on his way. Chelsea and Jose Mourinho were rather blunt in their pursuit for the England striker but eventually Rooney gave his commitment to the United cause and has paid the fans back with some excellent performances. Three goals in seven league games and two assists have made him the stand out player in a side that have, so far, severely underperformed. He has looked fit, sharp and hungry for the fight and the Red Devils will be hoping that it is this Rooney, and not the unfit temperamental one, that continues to link with Robin van Persie and can help turn United from average mid table to Premier League contenders.
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