Manchester United: Predicting Their First XI for 2012-2013 Season

Predicting a Sir Alex Ferguson starting lineup is never the easiest job in the world.

Predicting Sir Alex Ferguson's activity in the transfer market is never the easiest job in the world.

This article will try to combine the two, playing Nostradamus with ambitious confidence.

Put simply, next season United will set about trying to win yet another Premier League crown—here's the team most likely to to do it.

David de Gea, GK

All right, an easy one to start with.

David de Gea's form of late has been nothing short of miraculous... especially considering his nightmare start to the season, flapping at more crosses than David James in his Liverpool prime.

He's looked sharp, stronger and as acrobatic as any in the league.

Anders Lindegaard certainly won't be happy, but like it or not, the young Spaniard is "The Future."

Rafael, RB

This one's slightly tougher.

It could be argued that United have not been able to find a long-term solution for the right-back position since Gary Neville's timely retirement last season.

But it is Rafael who stands apart from Chris Smalling and Phil Jones, purely for the reason that right back is his natural position.

United have been linked with a move for the Crystal Palace youngster Nathaniel Clyne, but even if that move were to be completed, Clyne would probably not be inserted straight into the first team.

Nemanja Vidic, CB

Rest assured, United fans, he'll be back (to be said in the style of Arnold Schwarzenegger).

Simply recalling visions of the Serbian repelling long ball after long ball, towering over opposition attackers to head the ball away, gives me chills.

It is to the credit, however, of Jonny Evans and Rio Ferdinand that Nemanja Vidic has not been as missed as one may have foredoomed back during that fateful night in Basel.

But rest assured, he'll be back.

Jonny Evans, CB

Here's the rub.

Jonny Evans gets the nod over Jones and Smalling and Rio for one reason:

Sir Alex Ferguson is the manager of Manchester United.

And if, after giving Evans chance after chance after chance to prove himself a "United player" over the past few seasons, he's certainly not going to drop him after his stubborn faith has finally been justified.

Besides, for all their potential, Phil Jones and Chris Smalling have not been convincing yet in the middle of defence.

Sorry, lads, you'll just have to wait a little longer...

Patrice Evra, LB

Boring, I know, but this one's a no-brainer.

The ageing Frenchman has hardly set the world on fire with his form over the past few seasons, but Sir Alex is loyal to his soldiers... particularly when there's nobody of any real note pushing them for a place in the team (sorry, Fabio).

Evra's place hasn't really been in threat anyway since the departure of Gabriel Heinze all those years ago, and nothing will be any different next season.

No significant changes to the defence then—Sir Alex has other pressing concerns to deal with.

Antonio Valencia, RM

Another easy one.

The Ecuadorian speedster gets the nod ahead of Nani for only one reason: consistency.

Valencia has been United's best attacking player over the past two months, and whilst he still needs to grow a left foot (the one advantage Nani does have over him), his form has been exceptional.

Nani, on the other hand, still seems to have as many off days as on.

But having two world class right-wingers is a problem I'm sure any manager would love to have.

Luka Modric, CM

Here we go.

The moment you've all been waiting for.

The story will read like this:

Manchester United Complete £40 Million Deal for Luka Modric

After weeks of negotiation, Manchester United have today announced the completion of a £40 million transfer for Tottenham's creative midfielder, Luka Modric. New England manager Harry Redknapp could not be reached for comment.

Michael Carrick, CM

Partnering Modric in the centre of midfielder is the enigma himself, Michael Carrick.

It is baffling how he does it—manage to be so poor during the first half of a season and then so excellent during the second half.

But Michael Carrick gets the nod ahead of Paul Scholes (who will return), Anderson (who will return from injury) and Darren Fletcher (whose return is uncertain).

By the way, just a quick heads up for those planning on reading on:

Due to the severe financial issues surrounding the club's American owners, Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson today announced that the recent purchase of Luka Modric from Tottenham will be the club's only foray into the transfer market this offseason.

Ashley Young, LM

Say what you want about his recent "flop" in the QPR game, Ashley Young has made a positive impact on Manchester United since his transfer from perennial underachievers Aston Villa.

He will get the nod ahead of a frustrated Nani, providing he can stay injury free.

Just no more embarrassing dives please, Ash?



Javier Hernandez, ST

This one's a bit of a toss up, to be honest.

But Chicharito's inclusion is based purely on the "Difficult Second Season" syndrome—in regards to his indifferent form of late.

This may be a little hopeful, but personally, I expect him to score 20 next season.

Apologies to Danny Welbeck, who has looked promising, but who has struggled with his finishing at times this season.

Side Note: If Sir Alex is to purchase another player this summer, it will most likely be Benfica's Nico Gaitan, not Eden Hazard, who will prove too expensive, or any of the vast number of Bilbao players the club has recently been linked to.

Wayne Rooney, ST

Sorry, Wayne, you're not getting away that easily.

Partnering Javier Hernandez up front, Wayne Rooney will continue to spearhead the United attack next season, scoring goal after goal...

From the penalty spot.

(This prediction is based on an underlying fear that the bulky Liverpudlian is still secretly harbouring for a move to Spain).