This is probably the first season for many where the competition for places has intensified.
Keepers
Wait and see.
Strikers
For us as the fans it’s a throwback to Sheringham, Yorke, Cole and Solskjaer. The options open to SAF are tremendous and I’m fascinated to see how he gets to grips with it this year. There’s no doubt in my mind that Rooney and Little Pea are the number one option and I see Owen as a perfect sub for Little Pea. Berbatov never fails to impress me with his cameo performances, his ball control is superb and if you need a man to play keep ball, he’s it. Wellbeck did well at Sunderland but let’s remember he didn’t score 20 goals but does have valuable assets. Macheda is a young man and perhaps needs more loan time in the Premiership, Diouf doesn’t strike me as top class.
Midfield Battle
Assuming we play 4-4-2, and assuming Wes Sneidjer isn’t coming the best midfield will change per game dependent upon the game plan SAF wishes to impose upon the opposition. I see Young as being the most likely to nail down his spot. An ability to play left, right or through the middle makes him a valuable addition. If Young takes the left wing spot then Nani and Valencia will compete for the right wing. Nani infuriates and excites in equal measure, an eye for goal and a turn of pace but an inability to close down the opposition. Valencia much more of a worker, sticks rigidly to the right hand touchline (reminds me of Coppell) and doesn’t so much beat a full back with speed but rather invites the opponent close to create sufficient room to create a killer ball into the penalty area. Carrick should be the pivot but aside from a few games at the back end of last season never seems to get a grip of a game. Sometimes plays a lovely weighted pass but his shots on goal are erratic. Anderson, I really struggle to see the class that we are told he has. For those slightly longer in the tooth, I’ve seen Jim Holton with better ball control, for the younger amongst you, he couldn’t trap a wet paper bag. As for athleticism, I normally see him puffing along at a canter trying to catch some fleet footed opposition. Fletcher impresses when he’s on top form and fitness but where’s his best position and will he regain the fitness of two seasons ago? I’ve seen Cleverly a few times and he looks neat and tidy but an England International, perhaps, but he will need lots of games at this level. What can we say of Ryan Giggs other than the sand of time had dropped a few more grains in the debit box. I think he will become more and more a bench man this season. Park has improved in the last two seasons and covers so much turf. Is Gibson still hanging around?
Defence
No doubts that Vidic, Ferdinand and Evra are all shoe in’s for their spot but I think Smalling has come on a bundle and will push Ferdinand every step of the way this season. Jones looks an astute buy and I hope he gets enough games to keep him happy. Evans I’m not sold on, very patchy. The Da Sylva brothers are something of an enigma, Rafael looked to be making 3 steps forwards and 2 back, whereas Fabio looked as if he’d stolen a march. Only time will tell if these two can become the real deal at this level. For me full back is the squads biggest weakness.
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