Midfield
Michael Carrick
There are few more polarising players than Michael Carrick, but it appears to be a near-universal consensus that the 31 year-old is having a fantastic season thus far.
Carrick dictates play at Old Trafford, averaging the third most passes per match in the Premier League, and his positioning has improved hugely. Carrick is so often in the right place at the right time to tackle back or make crucial interceptions.
Phil Jones is Carrick’s only real rival for the holding position between the two teams, but the utility man seems to be more used as a specialist man marker when deployed there, so Carrick wins the place.
Yaya Toure
There are only two players who make more passes per game than Carrick. Mikel Arteta of Arsenal, and Yaya Toure.
Toure could be forgiven for being more reliant on his gargantuan physique, but is perhaps the best example of the proverbial ‘good feet for a big man’ around, possessing wonderful technique.
There are few more terrifying sights in football than that of a man built like a tree bulldozing through the opposition defence, and Toure has proven himself to be of the highest calibre.
Tom Cleverley would make an able deputy for Toure up front, albeit with a rather contrasting style. The Englishman’s game is built on quick intricate passing triangles but possesses a fine eye for a pass, and is a disciplined runner for his side.
David Silva
Last season, David Silva was the best attacking midfielder in the Premier League, with his dribbling, passing, creativity and finishing all on display to tremendous effect.
It has been tough for him to live up to the same standards this campaign, but Silva still provides a subtlety, vision and poise rarely replicated in the English top flight.
Shinji Kagawa had a tough start to his Manchester United career, but has gradually come out of his shell and could well make a name for himself.
COMMENTS