In the 2nd part of this feature series, Bettor.com names the players who could star in defence for the Red Devils.
Defenders:
Centre Backs:
Nemanja Vidic, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Phil-Jones-c29903 (multiple positions), Jonny Evans, Rio Ferdinand, Scott Wootton
United have a host of top options when it comes to the defensive pairing, but Sir http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Everton-c13019 after the Serbian come out unscathed in a hour of football against
Valerenga.
The Premier League giants have suffered immensely with the towering stopper’s injury and lost their title after failing to hold back Manchester City. Vidic’s inclusion in the team should really be a no brainer, considering that he is one of the best central-defenders
in the world and can literally walk into any club team.
Rio Ferdinand, despite his injury concerns, has managed to remain fit and fresh for the upcoming term and is likely to resume his blossoming partnership with the captain, which has proven to be unshakable at times.
However, Fergie has a number of other options he can choose for Cup games, rubber ties and matches with less importance. Chris Smalling, though shining at right-back, plays naturally in the middle and could step in whenever needed.
Phil Jones is built along similar lines and while his versatility is a key asset, the heart of the backline is where his future truly lies. But with http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Jonny-Evans-c19085 ending the 2011/12 season strongly, Fergie has a wealth of talent at his disposal that is sure
to give him a headache that he would have wished to have last December.
Furthermore, Scott Wootton’s positive performances during the global tour and subsequent praise from Ferdinand has also placed him in contention for some game time and thus the likes of Evans, Jones and Smalling will have to maintain their high standards
or risk being relegated to the bench.
Likely starters:
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Nemanja-Vidic-c27550
Right Backs:
Rafael, Chris Smalling (multiple positions), Phil Jones (multiple positions), Antonio Valencia (multiple positions)
On the right flank, Ferguson will pondering over the roster and his options out of which only Brazilian star Rafael is a natural fit. Last term, Chris Smalling and Phil Jones demonstrated that they were capable of defending the flank, but both of them don’t
have the necessary flair and attacking verve to bombard forward as well.
However, owing to his exertions with the Selecao at the Olympics, Rafael is likely to be given a break and in his absence, Fergie can either opt for Jones, Smalling or perhaps take a gamble and start Antonio Valencia at the back rather than his usual position.
The Ecuadorian has proven to be a big hit at the helm and it’s a great testament to his abilities that he can work as a right-back and as winger with equal ease. The United boss has taken this risk several times in the past and most recently in Oslo, where
it paid rich dividends as the former Wigan man was solid in defence and linked up well with http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Nani-c27299 on the flank.
Following Fabio’s loan move to QPR, the backline maybe exposed a bit on the right, but with a number of players capable of slotting in with ease, there is no need for the Premiership side to go out and spend cash on a new full-back this summer.
Likely Starter:
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Antonio-Valencia-c6345
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are the writer's own and do not reflect the official editorial policy of Bettor.com
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