We aren’t going to pretend that it’s been a good year for Manchester United. With April still young United were out of every competition and left trying to work out what is worse – Liverpool or City for the title.
The future looks more uncertain than in 20 odd years. But there have been some outstanding elements nevertheless.
Adnan Januzaj – His star rose so quickly with that brace against Sunderland in the autumn and he hasn’t quite stayed on the same trajectory. He’s spent longer periods on the bench over the last few months and is still somewhat leggy and needs to improve his physique.
But, despite all of that, he has undoubtedly provided the bright spot of the campaign at Manchester United – the unearthing of a potentially word class talent.
He’s got amazing feet and a brilliant football brain – the rarest combination in football. If he had great pace we would be comparing him with Messi.
AWAY FORM
Despite some horrendous home defeats Manchester United have scored more points than anyone on the road this season.
It’s just a shame that David Moyes doesn’t know how to transform this into a home wins.
Juan Mata
He had a quiet start to his Manchester United career and was definitely played out position – this guy is not a wide player – but even in his quiet games you can see the quality in everything he does. His performance against Newcastle, in his favoured No10 role, was hopefully a sign of things to come for Manchester United fans.
Smalling/Jones
The Champions League defeat by Munich had some positives – one of which the performance of Jones and Smalling. Although Jones played at right back this is surely Manchester United’s centre back partnership of the future.
It had been touted as such for a long time. But Smalling’s performances have been a cause for concern until recently. He’s a terrible right back. But now he’s in the middle it’s full steam ahead on the good ship Smalling and Jones for Manchester United.
Manchester United fans – what’s been the high point this season?
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