These ratings are for the 2012/2013 season,same as
Part 1
Antonio Valenica – A
dip in form for the Ecuadorian winger has left fans puzzled. Valencia is known
for attacking whoever is marking him and making them work the entire 90 minutes
to contain him. This season he has been more reluctant taking players 1 on 1,
and seems bereft of ideas when doing so. It hasn’t been all bad as he continues
to put in a very high work rate every time he steps on the pitch. Valencia will
need to regain his form over the second half of the season if he wants to keep
his place in the team. Rating – 6.3
Michael Carrick – Once
again Carrick has provided a calming influence on the ever-changing United
midfield. He currently ranks first in passes completed in the premier league,
and has shown no signs of slowing down. An automatic start at this point,
Carrick has been a bright spot all season. Rating
– 8.2
Tom Cleverley – The
energetic young central midfielder has played well at times but still hasn’t been
able to string together a run of impressive performances. His first half has
been highlighted by the wonderful goal against Newcastle, but it will be
important for him to create more chances for his teammates as he currently is
without an assist. Rating – 7.0
Darren Fletcher – An
inspirational return it has been for the Ireland international. His career once
thought to be over, is slowly getting back on track. A crowded midfield and his
lingering condition have relegated Fletcher to only three league starts so he
isn’t ratable at this point.
Ryan Giggs – Amazingly,
the living legend is still plying his trade in the Premier League at the age of
39. Once a pacey left winger, Giggs has transitioned his game to a central
midfield role; a role he is adjusting to nicely. Though he is yet to score, his
recent play suggests that a breakthrough is coming. Rating – 6.8
Shinji Kagawa – A
bright footballer that is a joy to watch. His one touch passing is among the
best in the league, and he often finds himself in great positions on the field.
An injury robbed Kagawa of consistent games, but look for him to work his way
back into Sir Alex’s plans. If he manages to play at least 15 games in all competitions
the rest of the way, it isn’t out of the question to see 8-10 combined
goals/assists. Rating – 7.4
Nani – Perhaps the
most frustrating figure in top flight football, Nani is a lad that shows
excellent skills yet maddening displays. Given his previous success we know
that he is capable of being a difference make providing both goals and assists,
it is just a matter of him putting it together. Look for him to come back
strong and get starts at both left and right wing. Rating – 6.4
Anderson – What a
shame it was to see Anderson get injured just as he was beginning to play the
best football of his career. Long considered a player that was never going to
live up to his transfer fee, Anderson appeared to be ready to make a huge
impact. His three assist performance against Chelsea in the Carling Cup was
exquisite as he tore the Blues apart with incisive final balls. Rating – 7.9
Paul Scholes – I
feared that the ginger wizard coming out of retirement would have a negative
impact on his legacy, but he has played exceedingly well when given the chance.
He is still Sir Alex’s go to guy to bring on in a big game to calm the team
down. Clearly deficient defensively as his tackles remain punch lines for fans
and commentators alike, he more than makes up for it with his vision and
passing. As this season is said to be his last, hopefully he goes out on top. Rating – 7.5
Ashley Young – Admittedly,
Young is not a personal favourite of mine. His theatrics are cringe worthy
offenses that have no place in the game. That being said, he is playing more “honest”
football this season and slowly gaining respect back. With no goals to his name
and just a handful of assists he will need to step up his play if he’s to keep
getting selected. Rating – 6.6
