Bettor.com ponders over who is likely to be given berth in the coveted eleven once the Premier League starts in two weeks.
Goalkeepers:
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Anders-Lindegaard-c5553, Sam Johnstone.
Three shot-stoppers are likely to be in contention once the campaign starts and out of them Spanish International De Gea is probably going to be the front-runner. The youngster’s form in the tail end of the last season was something to behold, as he garnered
rave reviews from around the country, despite a shaky start to his United career.
After ousting Lindegaard from the line-up, the 21-year-old has established himself as Sir http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Alex-c4752 Ferguson’s preferred goalkeeper and will keep that honour unless his form takes a turn for the worse.
Lindegaard, though talented, sat out injured after picking up a knock in January and allowed De Gea back into the set-up after winning the over coach with his abilities. But nonetheless, the Dane has voiced his desire to compete with the La Roja star.
Sam Johnstone is a relatively unknown figure compared to the senior duo. Though the starlet has impressed in his outings with the reserves, he still has a mountain to climb if he is to secure a place in the line-up, or even on the bench which is a much easier
task.
Likely starter: http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/David-de-Gea-c10463
Defenders:
Left-backs:
Patrice Evra, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Michael-c25261 Keane, Tyler Blackett
The position has become a cause of concern for Sir Alex Ferguson in the recent months, with Patrice Evra failing to keep up his brilliant form. The Frenchman was below par last term and failed to stamp his authority in the Premier League, only a year after
being considered as one of the best left-backs in the world.
His inconsistency could lead to an axe for the veteran defender, but for now Fergie intends to start the season with him as first-choice. Transfer rumours have linked the Red Devils for many players that could fill the void, but so far the moves for Ashley
Cole and http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Bryan-Oviedo-c8179 are restricted to the back pages.
Ferguson can meanwhile opt for options from the reserves, who have proved their mettle whilst on tour with the senior team.
Tyler Blackett, who is a life-long United fan, may still have pictures of illustrious teammates on his bedroom wall, but his career has taken major strides and he will look to add on his superb displays from the summer.
Alongside him, Michael Keane has emerged as a decent option as well, taking to the pitch against Valerenga in Oslo and showing enough defensive capability to stop the Norwegian giants.
Furthermore, his link-up play with Ashley Young was a partnership to savour and the manager may yet opt to name him in his starting line-up, as he looks to provide Evra with some extra competition.
While the former Monaco man clearly remains first-choice because of his considerable experience, Keane is not far behind in the pecking order and looks likely to start against Barcelona, something which the player is really looking forward to despite playing
in a slightly unfamiliar role.
"It was strange. I've not played there [left-back] for over a year now, but I thought I adapted quite well to the position and Rio and all the other players helped me out a lot, so I thought I did quite well. They've all got great experience and they're
great players to play with. I grew up watching all of them and to play in the same team as them is great. I really enjoyed it."
"It [the http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Barcelona-c38604 game] is a great occasion for everyone and it'll just be a great game to watch, never mind play in if I get a chance. I'm looking forward to it,” he said.
Likely starter: http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Patrice-Evra-c29231
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