Manchester United: Wayne Rooney and 5 Players Key to Overtaking Manchester City

After 22 matches, Manchester United trails archenemy Manchester City by three points.

City tops the Premier League table with 54 points—results of 17 wins, three draws and two lost—while United has had 16 victories, three ties and three defeats.

The Red Devils are seeking for their 20th title, but to do so, they need to find a way to overtake Roberto Mancini's squad, which managed to defeat United 6-1 last October.

With 16 matches ahead, United needs to step up, and some key players can help the team accomplish the feat.

Anderson

Anderson is a fast and skilled midfielder, but he lacks creativity.

This season, the Brazilian footballer played 10 Premier League matches, where he scored two times and made an assist, before suffering a knee injury last November during the UEFA Champions League game against Otelul Galati.

The 23-year-old is supposed to be back in February, and if he does, he needs to step up and bring some dynamism and creativity to United's midfield.

David De Gea

If a Red Devil has received criticism, that's David De Gea.

The 21-year-old goalkeeper hasn't had the performance fans expected, and after 14 Premier League games, he has conceded 17 goals and made 56 saves.

Despite the harsh comments, Sir Alex Ferguson insists that he trusts De Gea, who, according to The Telegraph, will be the starter goalie against Stoke.

Rio Ferdinand

Without Nemanja Vidic, United's defense seems to be in trouble and centre-back Rio Ferdinand hasn't been up to his best lately.

It has more to do with his physical form than with his abilities. Seems like since Ferdinand's level has decreased since he suffered a hamstring injury in the opening Premier League game.

This season, Rio has only played 14 times.

Javier Hernández

Mexican striker Javier Hernández hasn't played as much as he did last year, and it's true that Danny Welbeck has had quite a season after scoring 10 goals in 24 matches (including all competitions).

However, Chicharito hasn't been as accurate, and injuries have also been an issue.

This season, Hernández has played 18 Premier League matches, but has only scored six times. A year ago, he had scored seven goals in 16 games.

Wayne Rooney

Wayne Rooney has become the player that creates and distributes the ball rather than the team's primary striker; nevertheless, he has managed to score 13 times so far.

This season, Rooney has only had three assits, while a year ago, he already had nine.

Wayne was fined and dropped from the team since his performance wasn't as expected during a training session prior to United's defeat against Blackburn.

Chris Smalling

At age 22, Chris Smalling has a lot more to learn despite being with United since 2010 and already making two appearances with England's national team. He has been doing a good job, but he could be even better. 

It's true that Sir Alex Ferguson has used him as a right-back rather than as centre-back, but he needs to continue working, especially with the mistake factor: He loses the ball easily and his shooting isn't strong.