Predicting Manchester United Starting XI against Fulham (Part 4)
Left Wing: Nani
Portuguese Winger Nani is expected to feature on the left wing. The player was overshadowed by another Portuguese, Cristiano Ronaldo but following his departure to Real Madrid, Nani was expected to up his game. Last season, Nani was expected to be sold out owing to his limited first team appearances. However, a refreshed and rejuvenated Nani was seen in the second half of the season. The player seemed more comfortable with the ball and saw himself becoming a first choice left flank player. Nani is now hungry for more appearances and may just be his season. The Portuguese would have to keep playing his natural game and keep on using his skills to fool the defenders. Nani provided some important assists to Wayne Rooney last season, as well as scoring a few goals himself. Last season, he scored 7 times, which shows an improving graph for the 23-year-old. Nani’s pace and skills are hard to contain and is expected to give a hard time to the Fulham defenders. Nani partners Evra on the wing, and both of them have a similar style of play. Nani and Evra combine well together and it was their set up that led to United’s second goal against Newcastle United.
Striker: Dimitar Berbatov
Dimitar Berbatov opened the scoring for Manchester United in the Premier League opener against Newcastle United. The 32-million pound man has been openly criticized by critics and fans alike for his inability to find form since his transfer in 2008. The player failed to match the likes of Wayne Rooney and Ronaldo, which led to speculations of the Bulgarian leaving the club this summer. However, Ferguson showed great deal of confidence in the 29- year-old former Tottenham Hotspurs forward, who has shown great sign of improvements this season. The player scored the third goal for United in the Community Shield match, owing to an exquisite lob above Chelsea’s goal keeper. The player has the class and charisma needed for a striker and is a joy to watch every time he has the ball at his feet. Berbatov also scored the first goal against Newcastle United, as he managed a neat finish from a tight angle. The striker has been impressive in the pre-season as well, scoring in almost all the contests. With Berbatov in form, Manchester United has a huge chance of winning the Premier League this season for a record 19th time. The player earned himself a spot in the Premier League team of the year back in 2008, which led to Ferguson paying over the odds for the Bulgarian. Is this the season for Berbatov? It can be. This season the player has scored in both of the matches and is hungry for more goals in an attempt to prove his worth as a Manchester United faithful.
Striker: Wayne Rooney
England international Wayne Rooney had one of the most impressive seasons last season with the Red Devils. Following the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo to Real Madrid, Rooney stepped up his game and was the sole reason behind United’s second place finish in the Premier League last season. The striker won the Premier League player of the year award, as he scored 34 goals in all competitions. The untiring forward, however, failed to fire in the 2010 FIFA World Cup, which led him to be openly criticized by all of the English fans. This perhaps messed up the player’s head and a drained Wayne Rooney returned to England. Sir Alex Ferguson, however, trusts the striker’s instincts and expects him to get over the goal drought soon. Rooney desperately needs to get on the scoring sheet to find his form and more importantly, his mind back into the game. Craven Cottage may well be the venue where he could find the back of the net and kick off the new season. Rooney assisted in the second goal of the Newcastle match as well as the first one against Chelsea, which means that it would only be a matter of time before he fires one of his rockets past the goal keeper and get back to his scoring ways.
A standard 4-4-2 formation is expected from Sir Alex Ferguson, with Rooney and Berbatov partnering upfront. Newly signed Javier Hernandez is expected to make an appearance as well and may come on as a second half substitute. Ryan Giggs is also expected to replace Nani on the left wing.
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