Now that our defense of title number 19 has begun, me and Charlie from @TheBusbyBoys thought it would be fun, and possibly disastrous, to pick a joint and unified top 11 for our squad this coming season. In the end, it was rather easy to come to a consensus on our 11. The real question is whether or not you all agree with us. This might be the disastrous part. Or will it? We’ll let you decide. Also keep in mind, this 11 was chosen before the season, so the opening day injuries aren’t reflected in our squad.
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Goalkeeper: David de Gea
I think this is pretty much self-explanatory. Sir Alex sent a message by handing the young Spaniard the number one jersey, as well as by spending a significant amount of money on the Atletico Madrid product. Goalkeepers coach Eric Steele raves about de Gea's Van der Sar-like distribution ability and de Gea has been a player United has monitored since he was playing for the U-19's. The goals he conceded against West Brom and City aren’t cause for replacement. Let the boy settle him. Let him find his feet. He’ll come good.
Defense: Fabio, Rio, Vidic, Evra
In recent years, we’ve all been witness to the injuries in our back four. We moved O’Shea to right back for good back then, even Carrick and Valencia stepped in when we were short. This season, with the addition of Phil Jones and the emergence of Chris Smalling, we have more than capable players back there to play or fill in. With that said, we feel like the four listed, when healthy, are our best 4 defenders. Vidic was an absolute monster last year. Fabio emerged as the favored Da Silva in the second half of the season. Evra had a less than stellar season last year so he needs to make amends and Rio will need to stay healthy in order to be effective. With that said, Jones and Smalling (even Evans) are suitable to keep our back line strong.
Midfield: Valencia, Anderson, Carrick, Nani
This part of the pitch no doubt has the most cause for debate. With the return of Valencia, the addition of Young, the wanted materializing of Anderson, and the calling up of Cleverley, there are many different formations that we could utilize, but picked these four for specific reasons. When Valencia was healthy and on point, he was a main reason Wayne Rooney scored so many goals two seasons ago. He always has immediate and concrete impact when he plays, ingratiating himself into our squad and with the fans. So, while we love the addition of Young, I’d like to give Valencia the nod. Of course, alternating will be an option this year. With the absence of bringing in a creative MF that people wanted, we all are hoping that Anderson can finally live up to the hype he had when we bought him. This is do-or-die time for him. Can’t see him being around if he can’t produce for us this year. People have, and will continue, to slag Carrick off. He’s been vilified by fans - some reasons just and some not. His second half of the season was more of a return to form from him and we feel that he can get the job done for us. Of course, we have both been enamored with the play of Tom Cleverley. A clear Scholes-type player, the boy oozes United class. His spell at Wigan did him proud, so if (or when) Carrick slips up, I’m okay with having TC in the MF. Playing at Wigan isn’t playing for United, though. So while he had a nice pre-season and a stellar game against West Brom, the real question is whether or not he can do that to the likes of Chelsea, City, or Arsenal away. If he can, and Carrick can’t, we’ll be seeing him in the starting eleven. Nani had a little bit of trouble on the left last year, but we think that he can redeem himself. By far the most versatile player with both feet, putting Nani on the left allows him to beat defenders and put balls into the box, or cut it in on his right foot, or even take it inside. Young has been playing on the left, but his left foot is suspect, so it really only allows him to cut it back to his right foot, which the defense can key in on. In the end, I’m sure we’ll see many variations in our MF from SAF, just like last season.
Forwards: Rooney, Hernandez
In the last half of the season, this partnership became our go-to, leaving Berbatov on the bench (or in the dressing room). Rooney’s role from the previous season as a goal scorer was reinvented as he consistently and impressively dropped deep to receive and distribute. Hernandez, a natural scorer like Michael Owen, reaped the benefits of Rooney’s new role, a dynamic partnership we expect to continue this season. As of now, we still have Berbatov and feel that he can still contribute to our squad. Whether or not he leaves for PSG before the window closes is yet to be seen. Welbeck looked good in pre-season, but was all over the place against West Brom. We also have Michael Owen who still has a nose for goal. For our money, Hernandez and Rooney are the dynamic duo. Let’s hope that Hernandez can duplicate his form in his sophomore season.
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