Four Manchester United stars who could thrive without David Moyes in charge

The sacking of David Moyes as Manchester United manager on Tuesday came as little surprise to many. After a troublesome nine-month reign which has seen them record their lowest points tally since the Premier League’s inception, the man who was hand-picked by Sir Alex Ferguson for the role, had to go.

David Moyes’ Man United Record – PL 2013/14

But it wasn’t the poor results that they were recording on a regular basis that was the most shocking thing about Moyes’ reign; it was the way they were losing games. Manchester United used to be a team that were feared by almost everyone in the footballing world. The pace at which Ferguson’s teams used to play was spectacular at times, they had the ability to control a game at will and surprise teams with blistering counter attacks. Under Moyes, that all changed. United have been a shadow of their former selves, predictable and slow are two words that have become all too synonymous with them this year.

Moyes leaves behind a squad that have under-performed terribly this season and have much to prove to whoever becomes the next manager of United. The Scot failed to select the same starting eleven in any of his 51 games in charge of the club, a statistic, which is, to be honest, unbelievable. It means the players were never settled in their positions, playing alongside different teammates every week and unable to get into any sort of rhythm. The amount of dead-weight that still remains at the club is remarkable and the process of re-building the squad is a massive job for the next manager.

But there is, without question, plenty of talent still at Old Trafford. Most failed to play to their maximum ability during Moyes’ tenure for one reason or another. Here are four Man Utd players who will benefit from the departure of the Scot.

Phil Jones

It says a lot that Jones has been one of United’s best players this season, according to his Squawka Performance Score of 573. This is because he has been forced into a number of positions due to Moyes’ inability to strengthen the right areas of the squad in the two transfer windows he was in charge for. It is a necessity for the new manager to give Jones a sustained run in his favoured position at centre half. Yes, he does a great job in central midfield or even at right-back, but his natural and favoured position is in the centre of defence.

Jones has shown glimpses of his defensive potential this season and although he still hasn’t reached his true potential due to being moved around so much, he is a shoe-in to make England’s World Cup squad. The 22-year-old has made an average of 10 defensive actions per game this season, including having made 158 clearances, won over half of his headed duels and tackles, and made no defensive errors in this 23 league appearances.

Juan Mata

United’s £37million record signing, who was signed by Moyes in January, has shown glimpses of what we saw at Chelsea since his arrival. However, he has been shifted out to play on the left or right wing on several occasions, in a rigid system, which in no way plays to his attacking strengths. In fact, the only reason he has been moved into his preferred number 10 role in recent games is due to Robin van Persie having picked up a knee injury.

Whoever comes in to replace Moyes has to build the team around Mata, who will undoubtedly improve in his first full season at the club. This new era at United will suit the Spanish creator, who thrives in a flexible system which allows him to inter-change with his fellow attackers. Mata has created an impressive 28 chances since joining the club, the third highest at United this season, which, in itself, says a lot about this disastrous campaign.

Danny Welbeck

As we read the gossip columns on Sunday morning, Welbeck’s name was plastered on all of them after he was linked with a move away from Old Trafford. The England striker is a local lad who dreamed about playing for United as a little boy so it is a necessity that he is kept at the club this summer. In the recent Champions League tie against Bayern Munich he impressed massively and was even mentioned by Pep Guardiola as one of United’s most talented players, meaning he must be given more starts next season.

Whilst Guardiola’s statement is hard to disagree with, there is no doubt that Welbeck has a long way to go to fulfil his potential. Although he was a regular under Ferguson, Welbeck has failed to hold down a regular slot under Moyes despite him being one of the few players in the squad to possess the pace and power which have been lacking this season. In his 22 Premier League appearances, the 23-year-old has bagged nine goals, improving drastically on last season’s return in the process.

Shinji Kagawa

United’s Japanese schemer Kagawa is another player who has struggled to find regular game-time as Moyes chopped and changed the United team. He has certainly benefitted from the signing of Mata and there are early signs that the two of them are developing some sort of understanding, which can only be a positive for the Red Devils. If they can be bedded into the same team together on a regular basis next season, there is unlimited creative potential there.

Obviously, the central midfield and defensive areas need to be improved upon before we get too carried away but with the attacking talent at the new boss’ disposal, there are some reasons to be positive for United fans. Kagawa will benefit massively from Moyes’ departure should he remain at Old Trafford himself, having completed 90 minutes just four times in the Premier League this season.