Welbeck, Ravel Morrison And Michael Keane In The Manchester United Line-up – This Is How They Will Look Fielding A Local XI

 

A Manchester United XI With Local Players

Manchester United is one of the biggest clubs in the world. The Red Devils are one of the most successful clubs and have a rich trophy-laden history. Players from across the world yearn for an opportunity to walk out at the Old Trafford in the red colours of United. Many stars, local and foreign, have graced Old Trafford with their brilliance over the years.

But, what if United were just allowed to play local talents? How would Manchester United look if they were to field only local players? Here is a starting XI that comprises of professional footballers who are currently active and were born in the Manchester area.

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Tom Heaton (GK)

The current Burnley captain began his professional career with United, but despite being a regular in the reserves side, couldn’t break into the first-team. Left in search of regular football after several loan spells.

Danny Simpson (RB)

At right-back, it will be last year’s Premier League winner Danny Simpson. The 30-year old came through the academy before breaking into the reserves in 2005. Having spent most of his time on loan, he made 8 first team appearances before departing to Newcastle United.

Michael Keane (CB)

Another one to have come through the academy, the 24-year old broke into the first team a couple of seasons ago under Louis van Gaal, but a lack of regular time saw him move to Burnley, where he has become one of the best defenders in the league this season.

Phil Jagielka (CB)

The 34-year old centre-half was born in Manchester but chose to join Sheffield United at the age of 15. Having moved to Everton in 2007, he has become a club icon at the Goodison Park.

Ben Mee (LB)

Someone who progressed through the academy of Manchester City, Ben Mee couldn’t make it to the first-team and moved to Burnley where he has gone on to make more than 200 appearances.

Danny Drinkwater (CM)

With the Manchester United academy since the age of 9, the Premier League winner with Leicester did not make a single appearance for the senior team, before joining the Foxes after several loan spells. What a player he has become now.

Ravel Morrison (CM)

Touted as the next big thing to have come through the academy, Ravel Morrison’s career has taken a steep downslide. But he is going about the rebuilding job with QPR, on loan from Italian side Lazio.

Danny Welbeck (RW)

A first-team regular until Louis van Gaal surprisingly decided to sell him to Arsenal in the summer of 2014, Welbeck left Manchester United after making a total of 142 appearances, scoring 29 goals.

Jesse Lingard (CAM)

The 24-year old has been with United since the age of 7 years and has become a fixture in the first team over the past couple of seasons. Adept at playing anywhere in the attack, he has made more than 70 appearances for the club, scoring 11 goals.

Marcus Rashford (LW)

Another local lad who has been at the club since 7, the youngster has grown into a fine prospect and has become a vital component of the first-team at the tender age of 19.

Peter Crouch (ST)

The Cheshire-born forward started off at QPR in 1994, before moving to Tottenham four years later. He has played for Portsmouth, Aston Villa, Southampton, Liverpool and now with Stoke City, Crouch has scored 195 career goals.