End of season ratings: Manchester United

It is probably a season to forget for a giant of a club like Manchester United. After early knockouts from Europe and the domestic cups, Manchester United and Manchester City had a duel that will be talked about for years to come. So how exactly did the squad perform this season? Who were the heroes and the zeroes respectively? We take a look at how the players have fared exactly this season.

1. David De Gea

Rating: 7.5

David De Gea had a really poor start to his Manchester United career after some glaring errors in his first few games. His road to recovery was difficult after Sir Alex had seemingly dropped him from the main eleven in favour of Anders Lindegaard. De Gea’s strong mentality helped him recover from a jittery start and he put on some memorable performances. De Gea will however need to bulk up and improve his aerial prowess.

2. Anders Lindegaard

Rating: 7

Lindegaard was one of the main reasons why Manchester United recovered after the 6-1 loss to Man City. He took command over the defence and did well in set piece management. His injuries however put him out, and De Gea took full advantage of his absence. Five clean sheets in eight appearances says a lot about his ability to control and command defenders.

3. Rafael

Rating: 6.5

Rafael has had a decent season, but he hasn’t done anything spectacular so far. Though Rafael showed improvement in his tackling, he continued to show his immaturity in making decisions. His poor aerial ability and losing possession in crucial areas are some of his disadvantages. He really needs to improve if he has to keep his place in the starting eleven.

4. Patrice Evra

Rating: 6.5

Patrice Evra has not been himself since his antics at the FIFA World Cup. His concentration levels dipped. Though his performances against the smaller teams were good, his poor performances in the bigger games have made him a laughing stock. Being a left back, he deviated towards the centre on many occasions. Teams like Manchester City, Chelsea and FC Basel continued to exploit his side of the field many times.

5. Phil Jones

Rating: 7

Phil Jones has done well in his first season at a big club. His most impressive performance came against Chelsea when he continuously marauded the right flank. Sir Alex has tried him in many positions, but there is no doubt that he is best suited at Right Back. However his performances in Europe have been below average. He needs to improve his consistency in the next season.

6. Chris Smalling

Rating: 6.5

Smalling’s injury worries are clouding his amazing defensive talents. His lack of match practice has let him down in the crucial areas of the pitch. His fitness levels have never been good this season and he has looked uncomfortable since his comeback from many injuries. He needs to try and improve his fitness.

7. Rio Ferdinand

Rating: 7

The old warhorse finally got rid of his injury concerns over the past two years, and did well in the business end of the season. He along with Evans were consistent in many games. The main worry has been his positioning in the offside trap. He has also lost a yard or two in pace, despite all this he has had a good season.

8. Jonny Evans:

Rating: 8

Jonny Evans has had his best season as a Manchester United player. Since Vidic’s injury, Evans took over the mantle of being the leader of the back-line and performed consistently. His mental strength and spirit are admirable. He has performed well in almost every game he has played.

9. Anderson

Rating: 7

Anderson kicked off last season well, but his injuries prevented him from having a great season. His work ethic was crucial in Manchester United’s start to the season. However he still remains as a player, haunted by recurring injuries.

10. Tom Cleverley

Rating: 7

Cleverley was hailed as the next Paul Scholes. He began well and played an important role in Manchester United’s wins over Arsenal and Chelsea. However, a major injury against Bolton put him out for a majority of the season. He never quite recovered and reached the same levels of performances again.

11. Park Ji Sung:

Rating: 6.5

Sir Alex continued to keep Park in the back-fold and hoped to unleash him during the big games. But it never quite worked in his favour this season. Park never fit into Manchester United’s possession based system, and he was overshadowed by the younger breed.

12. Ryan Giggs

rating: 7

The veteran was used by Sir Alex this season mainly as a substitute. Ryan Giggs level of performance this season was not up to his high standards mainly because, Sir Alex used him in unfamiliar positions. Sir Alex used Giggs as a centre midfielder, trying to improve his shelf life rather than use his natural ability on the wings. It worked to an extent, but Giggs did not have a great impact like he always does.

13. Ashley Young

Rating: 7

Ashley Young has had an above average first season in the Manchester United jersey. Young continued to show his inherent ability to play well in big games but failed to perform in a consistent manner. Ashley Young was recruited to improve the crossing and dribbling ability of the side.

14. Nani

Rating:v7.5

Nani has had an very good season. He has scored 8 goals and created 10 goals in 24 starts. However, he too has not been able to perform on a consistent basis. This can be attributed to his injuries, which have stopped him from carrying his momentum forward.

15. Paul Scholes

Rating: 8

The “Ginger Prince” came back from retirement, when his beloved side needed him the most. He restored a sense of calmness into the side and led Manchester United to a brilliant run in the second half of the season. His visual range and variety of passing have been key to the improvement in Manchester United’s fortunes. It is a huge pity that Manchester United did not lift the title after his crucial contributions.

16. Michael Carrick:

Rating: 8.5

Michael Carrick is under-rated beyond doubt. Carrick was seemingly out of Sir Alex’s plans until injuries came into play effecting other players. Carrick, accused of inconsistency in the past seasons, calmed things in midfield like Scholes after the derby debacle. Carrick had an amazing 90 % success passing rate, which is among the best in Europe. His ability to win tackles and pick out wingers in the final third, changed Manchester United’s approach after their knockout from the Champions League. However, ironically Carrick was one of the most consistent performers in the league.

17. Antonio Valencia:

Rating: 8.5

Antonio Valencia terrorised the opposition flanks repeatedly for Manchester United this season. Arguably the greatest winger in the Premier League, Valencia notched up four goals and 14 assists this season. His incredible runs and his one-twos made defenders huff and puff whenever they played against him.

18. Dimitar Berbatov:

Rating:7.5

Berbatov found himself left out of the main eleven, even after being the top scorer last season. It has not been a case of decline in his form. Berbatov has scored seven goals in five starts for Manchester United, rubbishing claims of his loss of form. It has simply been a case of misjudgement from Sir Alex. He was left as an unused substitute many times. Sir Alex ignored his talents. Berbatov could have added and an extra edge to United’s attack, especially against the smaller teams.

19. Javier Hernandez:

Rating: 7

After a successful first season with the Red Devils, Hernandez found himself out of the starting eleven this season after the emergence of Danny Welbeck. Though he has scored an admirable 10 goals in 18 starts, he has not performed up to the fans’ expectation.

20. Danny Welbeck

Rating: 7.5

Welbeck made full use of his experience from his loan stint at Sunderland, and and made full use of his chances. sir Alex confused many fans with his faith in the England sensation. Welbeck however did not disappoint the Gaffer. His movement has been excellent. His partnership with Rooney, the wingers and the centre midfielders have been excellent too. He has allowed Rooney to perform freely, a tactic which has paid rich dividends especially in the Premier League.

21. Wayne Rooney

Rating: 9

Wayne Rooney continues to amaze the Manchester United fans every year. Wayne Rooney has scored a superb 27 goals in 32 starts, the fifth best in Europe, and the best in the Premier League for 20+ starts. His transformation into a complete forward has been brilliant. He continues to find ways to give defenders headaches. He drops deep sometimes to encourage the other players to go forward.