Defenders
Rafael Da Silva: Rafael is an exciting young fullback who possesses obvious speed and threat going forwards, but whose defending needs work. Has progressed very well over the last 18 months, and shows signs of being a great player for United for years to come, he just needs to stay fit and have a good run in the team. Stay.
Fabio Da Silva: Never looked as sure or as settled as his brother, even struggled when on loan at QPR last season. Not good enough for QPR and should be leaving United soon for pastures new. Only saving grace is that he can play right and left back and might be seen as a good back up player. Leave. No replacement necessary.
Chris Smalling: Since joining from Fulham, Smalling has shown glimpses of the obvious talent he has at centre-back, but competition for the spot alongside Vidic at OT is fierce and he is yet to have a run of games and cement that spot as his own. Chris has shown good composure when he plays though and is definitely a future first choice, both for Manchester United and for England. Stay.
Jonny Evans: Evans has been a conundrum for years at United. In his early years with the club he struggled with injuries, but was obviously a talented defender, with great faith shown in him from Sir Alex. Unfortunately he has never quite taken that step that is required to be a great player, and one worthy of playing for a club like United. Leave. A bright young centre-back such as Kurt Zouma at Saint-Etienne would be perfect.
Phil Jones: When he arrived from Blackburn a couple of years ago, Ferguson was delighted to have his man, and has often said that he is one of the most naturally talented defenders he has ever seen, with the possibility of becoming one of the best players to have ever played the position. Comparisons have been made with Duncan Edwards, but we are yet to see Jones in that light at centre-back. Often played out of position, and with injury issues affecting his development, I would love to see him play alongside Vidic this season to really learn his craft. The future of both club and country. Stay.
Nemanja Vidic: Vidic is the heart and soul of the current Manchester United defence, and when he is playing it gives everyone a lift and gives the opposition a cause for concern. A commanding presence on the pitch and in the dressing room, the talismanic captain is United’s best defender by far, and can help develop the young defenders around him. How much longer he can keep going for is questionable, but must start for United for at least the next season and a half, and really bring along the young talent. Stay.
Rio Ferdinand: Ferdinand has been a wonderful servant for both England and Manchester United and in his prime was one of the best defenders in the world. That was a long time ago now though, and when he has played, United have won only 29% of games this season, rather than the 62% they have won without him. Will surely stay on at the club but I see his role more in coaching and developing the youngsters, with his playing days likely to be behind him. Leave. No replacement necessary.
Patrice Evra: One of the few January signings that Ferguson made in his time at the club, along with Vidic, and surely one of the most successful. Over the last few years he has been one of the most consistent players in the league, and a great player for the club, as well as a leader on the pitch. But this season his lack of pace has been exposed at times and Father Time can’t be held back forever. With rumours circulating of a move back to France, don’t be surprised if he leaves in the summer. Leave. To replace Evra I think we would need someone like Luke Shaw, who is impressing so much at Southampton at the moment, Leighton Baines would be another option, but I would prefer a young full-back.
Guillermo Varela: Sir Alex’s last signing for the club, and a very, very puzzling one. Doesn’t look anywhere near good enough for a club like Manchester United, and must surely be sent on his way by Moyes. Leave. No need to replace him, although getting someone in to challenge Rafael would be good. Possibly Nathaniel Clyne or Callum Chambers from Southampton with a nod to the future.
Alexander Buttner: Another surprise signing, with many people both inside and outside the club questioning if he could make the step up. Has struggled to adjust and impose himself on any game with his defending. Not good enough for this current squad, or indeed any Manchester United team. Leave. Fabio Coentrao seems to be the left-back that we can expect to see joining at some point, and for what it is worth I think he will do a good job without being spectacular.
Michael Keane: Keane can play at both centre-back and right-back, and is currently thriving on loan at Derby County in the Championship. Named as United’s Reserve Player of the Year in 2012 with over 60% of the vote, and on his debut for the first-team was labelled as ‘fantastic’ by Darren Fletcher. Has a very bright future at Old Trafford and will be looking to break into the first-team squad over the next 2 years. Stay.