Manchester United have endured a wretched season so far and have been knocked out of Europe and stand sixth in the Premier League. A lot of players have underperformed this season, and subsequently, the team has suffered. However, there are a few who have managed to perform, and today we make a list of the 5 players who could make it to United’s 5-a-side team this season:
1. David de Gea
The Spaniard has been sensational under the bars for United this season, once again. He has the ability to win games on his own now, and as such he has probably made more than 10 points for them with his reflexes. United were extremely lucky to keep him in the summer and have tied him down to a 5-year contract. One hopes that the former Atletico man can keep up with his form for some more years now, and join Van der Sar, Peter Schmeichel and Harry Gregg as some of the greatest goalkeepers the club has been.
2. Chris Smalling
It has been a breakout season for Smalling, as he has gone from being sent off in the Manchester Derby last season to successfully nullifying the likes of Olivier Giroud, Sergio Aguero and Romelu Lukaku this year. Smalling is easily the leader of United’s defence this season, and it is due to him that the Red Devils have such a mean defensive record.
3. Morgan Schneiderlin
The Frenchman took his time to settle at Old Trafford, but he has shown his class time and again with his passing and tackling. He provides the legs and composure in that double pivot position, and United fans hope that he will be able to fill the void left my Roy Keane in that position. With him in the side, the Old Trafford outfit win 70% of their games while without him, the win percentage drops to less than 30% — this stat should sufficiently illustrate his importance in the squad.
4. Anthony Martial
The 19-year-old forward, who was bought from Monaco for a hefty fee of 35 million pounds last summer has already netted 13 goals in his debut season. His versatility is also a big bonus to the side, he is equally effective as a lone striker or a left winger. The Frenchman has already shown maturity far beyond his years, and it is necessary that he keeps getting game time and garner experience to unleash his full potential
5. Wayne Rooney
Rooney beats Rashford to make it into the lineup as the United youngster still needs to gain experience to be considered as one of the main players for the Red Devils. Every good side needs a good captain and the United frontman, who has bagged 14 goals this season, is the one. His ability to play anywhere in midfield or up front and his nac to dictate the tempo of the game means he is the ideal guy to look forward to uplift the squad when the chips are down. Red Devils all over the world will be hoping he can return to the first team as soon as possible, and revitalise our charge for the FA Cup and the 4th Premier League spot.