The other lineup:
GK: Sergio Romero
The Argentine has been snapped up by United on a free transfer and he might just be made to sit on the bench. But it’s still a better option than being the primary keeper at Sampdoria. The shot stopper would hardly be used and it’s a safe option for United to sign Romero.
RB: Antonio Valencia
The Ecuadorian was made to occupy the unconventional right back slot and he did with absolute ease. The philosophy of Louis van Gaal worked very much in favour of Valencia, who was once on the fringes of the first team under Ferguson and Moyes, but has since made his way back to the first team squad. Good progress by the chap.
CB: Phil Jones and Paddy McNair
Both seemingly underrated and performing whenever the team called for. Jones formed a phenomenal partnership with Smalling and his improvement were quite visible. He was trying hard to tackle, get the ball, clear or intercept. His work rate was better and surely he gathered a few eyeballs. Speaking about McNair, the Irish defender was influential but not at his very best. He has got immense potential and also good amount of time by his side. So I see the chap progressing well.
LB: Luke Shaw
A major disappointment for United, a staggering fee of £27m was paid by United to acquire the services of the young defender and a significant rise in his game is needed for his development. An injury free season and maybe a better Luke Shaw can be experienced by the fans.
Midfield: Michael Carrick, Ander Herrera and Marouane Fellaini
One of the most underrated trios ever. The midfield group has been hardworking and slogging day in day out however their efforts have not been quite appreciated. Herrera costed United a huge £29m but he has been worth the price. Speaking about Fellaini, the improvement he has shown is absolutely commendable and Carrick has always played as the second fiddle to Scholes and Giggs previously and has got the appreciation he quite deserved.
RW: Andreas Pereira
Pereira had a good pre-season and an amazing U-20 world cup with Brazil and he looks to carry forward from where he left. The forward has shown his Brazilian instincts and has been appreciated a lot by Louis Van Gaal. Also, his versatility as an attacker is his distinguishing quality.
ST: James Wilson
The English starlet has shown the qualities which makes him one for the future. A tremendous knack of scoring goals, his movements with and without the ball has been of a top drawer. The striker has a big road ahead of him and he very well knows that he cannot be airhead as he has seen what fate Danny Welbeck, Nani, Federico Macheda and Anderson have met.
LW: Adnan Januzaj
The Belgian winger has been a quality finding and the only good thing out of the entire David Moyes era. Januzaj scored the all-important goal in the pre-season and the only thing expected out of him is to rise up to the no.11 jersey that he has chosen. The no.11 jersey has been made symbolic by Ryan Giggs and Januzaj needs to deliver the goods ASAP.
Honorable mentions:
Anders Lindegaard
Jesse Lingard
Javier Hernandez
Tyler Blackett
Rafael
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