2. Chris Smalling, Phil Jones and Jonny Evans | Manchester United
The defending trio, already playing for the Red Devils will now have to replace the great centre-back pair, Ferdinand and Vidic. While Smalling, aged 24, is a taller player and has more similarities with the experienced Englishman, he has often replaced Vidic when the Serbian international was sidelined due to injuries. Despite being named Rio Ferdinand’s permanent successor at Old Trafford, Smalling is always a second-plan option to change Nemanja.
Phil Jones is the youngest centre-back in Moyes’s first team and the absence of the often-played veterans will be a perfect chance to ingratiate oneself. Jones is also a versatile player, as he can play also as a holding midfielder or as a right-back. However the 21-year-old might not be prepared for 90-minute football due to his lack of experience and could be used as a good back-up.
Jonny Evans who is set to change the baton for Vidic and unlike his younger teammates is calm when under pressure. His career dotted by several injuries seems to now have straightened out and the future looks good for the Irish international if David Moyes decided him to take over Vidic’s role in the squad.