Man United Squad Analysis – Part 1

As 2010/11 has drawn to a close now is probably as good a time as any to look at the squad. While we had a very good season there will be a bit of an overhaul this year. For the first time in a number of years we will see a raft of players leave the club due to injuries, retirements and a few who won’t have their contracts renewed.

As a result we can expect to see more new faces than usual this summer. If I were in Fergie’s shoes I would make the signing of two top class central midfielders my number one priority, one creative and one defensive (assuming that David De Gea signs to replace Van Der Sar). 

Below GGMU look at the squad player by player, we will look at squad numbers 1-12 today, 13-23 will follow tomorrow and 24-35 will be posted on Friday.

1. Edwin Van Der Sar: The Dutchman has become a true United Legend. His 6 years at the club have seen him pick up 4 league titles a Champions League and a League Cup. The best we have had since the Great Dane, he formed a telepathic understanding with Rio and Vidic and will leave a massive hole to fill. Retired.

3. Patrice Evra: One of the best left backs in the world, the Frenchman probably didn’t live up to his own high standards this season but a top class act nonetheless. Solid in defence and dangerous going forward there are not many better than Evra. Commitment to the cause and determination are also notable attributes. Keep.

4. Owen Hargreaves: What a waste. United have missed him over the last three seasons and many will wonder how those two Champions League finals would have panned out if we had someone like Hargreaves at the top of his game marshalling the midfield. Won’t be getting a new contract this summer and we wish him the best for the future. Hopefully he gets to play professional football again somewhere at some decent level. Out of Contract – Gone.

5. Rio Ferdinand: Still a class act and one of the best centre-halves in the world. His partnership with Vidic cannot be matched and when fit he’s one of the first names on the teams sheet. Injuries have held him back over recent seasons but he’s still one of Fergie’s most reliable lieutenants. Keep

6. Wes Brown: There has definitely been some sort of fall out with Fergie here. Wes has been a great servant to the club but it appears it is time to part ways. He didn’t even play enough Premier League  games to get a medal this season and I can’t see a way back at this point. Best of Luck. Ditch.

7. Michael Owen: Didn’t contribute much this year but I think it was the right decision to offer him the one year extension as I think Macheda and Welbeck could learn from having him around. Owen will work hard in  training and won’t kick up if not involved at the weekend. Could be a useful character to have in the squad, it won’t cost us to keep him on so I don’t see why not. Keep.

8. Anderson: The Brazilian’s season was disrupted by injury once again. He was impressive in the run-in and managed to bag a few goals too. His performance against Schalke in the second leg deserves special note. Ando needs to step up and consistently perform at the highest level, a breakthrough similar to that which Nani has had overthe last year is required if he is to remain at the Theatre of Dreamsand I would give him one more year to achieve that. Keep.

9. Dimitar Berbatov: Berba had his most prolific year yet in a red shirt but the question marks over his future will be bigger than ever after he failed to make the squad for the Champions League final. The Bulgarian is United’s most expenisve player ever and there can be little doubt that he has not lived up to expectations. 20 goals in the league this season (although 11 have come in 3 games), he hasn’t scored in the Champions League for a couple of seasons and has started less than 50% of the big games since he has joined. His link up play has been superb but he has missed chances in big games which have cost us i.e. City in the semi-final this year, Chelsea in the league last year. Fergie clearly doesn’t have 100% trust in Berba and as a result I think we should take whatever cash we can get for him now. Ditch.

10. Wayne Rooney: The man we look to when we need something special. Our star player. Keep.

11. Ryan Giggs: Another top notch contribution from the Welsh Wizard has secured another one year contract. What can you say about Giggs that hasn’t been said already? The man is a genius, one of the best ever and it was great to see some of the displays he put in towards the tail end of the season. Showed no signs of slowing down in 2010-11. Keep.

12. Chris Smalling: Former Maidstone United centre half Chris Smalling has had the season of his life. This year was seen as one for Smalling  to find his feet at a new club and learn from training with the likes of Rio and Vidic on a day to day basis. He has racked up over 30 appearances in his debut season and has staked his claim to be Rio’s long term successor. Another good bit of business by Fergie. Keep.

Agree/Disagree?

Submitted by Glory Glory Man Utd