soccersweep’s take on the top 5 performers for Manchester United in 2014
David De Gea
This guy has been absolutely marvelous. Few keepers in the world game are worth the entrance fee alone but De Gea makes goalkeeping into an art form. He’s spectacular at shot-stopping, has unbelievable reflexes and is immaculate in everything he does. He’s an absolute joy to watch and is now winning games for Manchester United. The club needs to sort out a new contract sharpish or risk losing him to Spain.
Michael Carrick
One of the most underrated players of his generation. Carrick’s quality was illustrated perfectly by the immediate upturn in results (6 wins and a draw) from the point that he returned to action after a long injury absence. He immediately brought order and composure back to a chaotic Manchester United side. Ask any footballer how good he is and you will get a proper gauge of the lad’s class.
Wayne Rooney
Rooney has been so good for so long that it’s easy to stop appreciating just how consistent he has been for the last decade. He gets periodically slated as someone who hasn’t fulfilled his potential. But Manchester United have dominated for ten years since he joined the club. This simply wouldn’t have happened if United hadn’t signed The Premier League’s most influential player.
He truly deserves the captaincy.
Angel di Maria
Hasn’t been quite the force, of late, that he was when he first came but he’s still been a breath of fresh air for a Manchester United side who simply couldn’t break teams down last season. Pace, power, trickery and a direct approach has warmed the heart of United fans.
Juan Mata
Some may think this is a strange choice. Let’s face facts though – it’s been a poor year or United. And despite Mata drawing varied responses from onlookers, he has done just about as well as you could have expected for a guy who has already played for 2 managers and joined mid-season.
We still want more from him – he needs to start dominating games – but a goal scoring record of 11 in 29 is excellent for a midfielder.
Let’s see Mata in action for United. Manchester United fans: are these your top 5?
