Quantcast

Five Manchester United players who have to shape up or ship out

Date: 10th August 2014 at 7:46 pm
Written by: | Comments (0)

LA Galaxy v Manchester United - Chevrolet Cup - Pre Season FriendlyAs new Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal starts his first season in the Premier League he will need his newly formed squad to perform as promised.

The Dutchman is not known for his patience and there are a fair few Red Devils who have something to prove, both to their manager and themselves.

With that in mind, here is a look at five players who need to step up this season.

Jonny Evans

After spending much of his United career deputising for Nemanja Vidic, the Irish defender has been given the chance to shine at the heart of LVG’s three man defence.

Previously criticized for having not stepped up during his eight senior years at the club Evans will have nowhere to hide in this new look formation.

Fortunately, during United’s pre-season US tour the 26 year old appeared to have adapted well to his new role and the manager will expect this form to continue throughout the coming season.

Wayne RooneyWayne Rooney

With a decade at Old Trafford under his belt and the supporters still behind him, Rooney is an important member and leader of the team.

Despite a tough last season the forward still managed to score 17 league goals and was praised for his top class performances.

Though since Robin van Persie’s arrival in 2012, Rooney has swapped his striker role for that of a playmaker and with Juan Mata, who transferred from Chelsea last January, also functioning as a number ten, Rooney will still have to prove to Van Gaal that the trio can actually play together or risk himself being played out of position or worse, left on the bench.

Make FellainiMarouane Fellaini

The 26 year old Belgian had a worse first season than anyone could have imagined, not only failing to live up to expectations, but also being plagued by injury.

Many will be surprised if the club retain his services but if LVG does give the midfielder another chance to replicate the form he displayed for Everton then it will almost certainly be his last.

Ander Herrera

As one of the new boys Ander Herrera will need to spend his first season proving that the manager was right to bring him in.

United have long been slated for their weak midfield so fans will be expecting LVG to have finally solved this lingering issue.

In his first taste of the Premier League, Herrera will have to learn to deal with the huge amount of pressure that comes from playing for a high profile club going through transition while also making a big impact to United’s central midfield.

Antonio Valencia (Ecuador):Antonio Valencia

Earlier this summer, Van Gaal offered Valencia a new three year contract so the player must feel quite confident that he will play a decent role in the Red Devil’s upcoming season.

That said, after five years at the club the Ecuadorian has largely failed to make the impact supporters expected, famously giving back the number seven shirt previously worn by stars like Cristiano Ronaldo and David Beckham, apparently unable to live up to its demands.

It appears the winger will have another opportunity to show that he is worthy of his position but will have to take it with both hands or risk being quickly replaced.

Manchester United fans. Do you believe these players will step up this season? Are they capable of winning the League? Let us know your thoughts below or tweet us @LaFootyettes

Your Comment

*