Manchester United have had a lacklustre start to their Premier League campaign this season since Sir Alex Ferguson was replaced by David Moyes as their manager.
The English champions had a poor transfer window as almost all their bids were turned down forcing them to use their existing set of players to feature in all competitions. Marouane Fellaini added on the deadline day was the only respite the Red Devils got this summer.
Soccer Souls will take a look at three possible players, who could be shown the exit door by Moyes either in January or by the end of the season, while bringing reinforcements in the same position to balance the loss.
Ashley Young
Former United manager signed Young two summers ago for a reported fee of £18 million from Aston Villa. The 28-year-old was ought to be a long term replacement for the Red Devils’ veteran, Ryan Giggs.
The England international had a decent start to his United career, managing six goals and seven assists in 25 league appearances. The second season saw Young failing to find the back of the net and registering three assists in 19 appearances in the Premier League.
However, this season, which is Young’s third season at Old Trafford could be his last chance. The former Villa man’s form has deteriorated with time and the winger has featured in just four league matches and had a poor game during United’s 4-1 humiliating derby defeat at the hands of Manchester City.
From being dependable for Moyes, Young is slowly turning out to be a liability. And with Luis Nani signing a new deal, United have options on the left. The Wideman could be shown the exit door either in January or at the end of the season and bring in reinforcements to further strengthen the squad.
Rio Ferdinand
Ferdinand has long been moving forward during the corners, but has not been able to find the back of the net on regular intervals as how Nemanja Vidic and John Terry have been doing over the years. Traditionally, he has been overlooked as the rock solid defender at United’s back four and has been impressive with his performance.
The former Leeds United star will turn 35 next month. With age catching up, Ferdinand has been struggling in the past few seasons with pace and fitness and has seen a dip in the performance.
He quit international football to save his United career and at the end of last season, Ferdinand was handed a one year deal at Old Trafford. However, with the performance taking a toll in recent times, the Premier League winners are unlikely to extend Ferdinand’s stay after the season.
Watch his testimonial match highlights:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Anj-jLM6AOk
Anderson
The Brazilian was signed from Porto in 2007 by Ferguson and then, the highly rated midfielder was believed to be the next Paul Scholes. However, the fact remains is that Anderson never lived up to his expectations and spent most part of the last few seasons on the treatment table.
Anderson’s fitness issues have seen him start just over 10 Premier League games in the last two seasons. Lack of first team opportunities at Old Trafford has seen the midfielder flirting with his future, expressing his desire to rejoin Porto.
United could grant his wish and Moyes could allow Anderson leave during the mid-season transfer window. However, the Brazilian has urged to prove his worth at the club and is yet to come up with a match winning performance for the Red Devils.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q-b4LkKLvsY