Expected XI for Manchester United against Fulham - Part 2
Centre back: Nemanja Vidic
Vidic is perhaps one of the very best centre backs on the planet. The Serbian has proved himself by standing in the way of any advancing attacker and puts his body on the line of any shot. Vidic has established himself as a first choice defender, who stands as a brick wall for any ball who advances towards his territory. Vidic has been the EPL player of the season in the 2008/09 season and helped Manchester United secure 14 straight clean sheets. Last season, United conceded the least amount of goals that season, even though many of the first team defenders were unavailable owing to injury. Midfielders Darren Fletcher and Michael Carrick had to become make shift defenders during the time of crisis and still, Manchester United managed to hold such a record which is truly remarkable. Vidic would therefore be an obvious choice for the manager, as the centre back would play an important part to stop the attacks. Vidic is also a menace in the air and possesses great aerial ability, which makes him very useful in free kicks, crosses and corners.
Centre back: Johnny Evans
The 22-year-old Irish centre back is an important player for the Red Devils. Owing to the unavailability of first choice defender Rio Ferdinand due to injury, Evans becomes the automatic choice for Sir Alex Ferguson. The youngster shows promise in his performance and has learned well under several experienced players. Evans has a good knick for defending and has spent his entire career with United. The player has already made 116 appearances in his young career for United, which gives him the much needed experience needed to play against the big boys. For Evans, it would be a huge test to partner Vidic in defence, as nothing less than perfect is expected from the 22-year-old. Ferguson shows great faith in his youth and Evans would want to keep calm in front of danger. There are several other players who are fighting for this spot, especially newly signed defender Chris Smalling. Evans has showed some great promise in defence, which earned him a new four year contract with United. Ferguson would want Evans to attack the attackers to disrupt Fulham’s possession along with delivering through balls to the winger. He along with Vidic would be needed to do their best to cover Van Der Sar’s goal in order to keep danger away.
Left-back: Patrice Evra
The French Captain is the perfect left back needed for any team. Evra has been phenomenal for the team as he played a majority of the previous season. The seemingly injury free left back was the most consistent player for the club last season, having played the highest number of minutes. The player featured in all competitions, including the UEFA Champions league, the FA Cup, the Premier league and the League Cup. The player has remained injury free and also won his place in the team last season. Owing to a disappointing World Cup, where he saw France being eliminated in the first round of South Africa 2010, the player will be looking to get his mind back into the game and play in his natural style. Evra was impressive while playing against Newcastle who expertly made the second goal of the game. Evra features on the left wing as well and likes getting forward. The Frenchman is speedy, athletic and has good ball control which enables him to split the defence easily. Evra has been an active contributor of various assists in the past which makes him a key element of United’s style of play. The player aids the left winger and is always available for a pass. The 29-year-old is a natural left footed player, making him the perfect man for the spot.
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