Manchester United: 5 United Stars Poised to Make Big Plays at Euro 2012

Manchester United’s talisman Wayne Rooney has yet to feature in the tournament, serving a two-game ban for kicking Miodrag Dzudovic during a 2-2 draw with Montenegro in October.

However, a few United players have already shined in Euro 2012; Danny Welbeck is one such player, being immense for the Three Lions.

Who are the five Manchester United stars poised to make big plays at the Euro 2012?

5. Patrice Evra

France has been an entertaining team to watch in the Euros, and they also have some exceptional talents in the team. One such talent is full-back Patrice Evra, the current United captain.

Although he has waned considerably, he still provides defensive solidity at the left-back position, and he is equally capable of unlocking opposition defences with his marauding runs and crosses.

In the game against Ukraine, Gäel Clichy linked up well with Franck Ribery on the left flank; however, Clichy might be exploited by bigger, better teams.

France seem destined to progress into the knockout stages, and France will be relying upon Evra’s experience and nous to take France to the latter stages of the competition. 

4. Ashley Young

Ashley Young, due to Wayne Rooney's suspension, has had to adapt to Rooney's role. He has slotted quite well into the English squad and has provided a strong outlet for attacks.

With the return of Rooney, he will be able to provide some extra width on the flanks, and he will mold himself into one of the more fearsome players in the squad. If he performs the same way for England as he did for United in the last season's first half, he will certainly play a pivotal role in the Three Lions’ success. 

3. Danny Welbeck

I expect this tournament to be Danny Welbeck's. Against France, he performed quite well, and against Sweden, he was the match winner.

With Wayne Rooney back in the mix, Welbeck will be paired up with his partner from United, who will also be more acquainted with Welbeck’s play. This gives Welbeck even more opportunities to shine. 

2. Nani

In the group of death, Portugal was deemed an underdog. And rightly so. They were against the likes of heavyweights Germany and The Netherlands. However, a lackluster performance by the Dutch, where they failed to secure a single point, paved the way for Portugal.

While Cristiano Ronaldo is the most important player for the Portuguese, Nani remains an essential entity. When he is in form, he can be devastating and can terrorize opposing defences, as he did against the Dutch. Nani might just be the catalyst that inspires Portugal to the latter stages of Euro 2012.

1. Wayne Rooney

This list would certainly be incomplete without Wayne Rooney; he is not only the most important player for United, but also for England. There can be no doubt that if England are to make a challenge for the Euro title, then their talisman, Wayne Rooney, should be firing on all fronts.

Rooney will be looking to stamp his mark on the game once he serves his suspension.

With Rooney’s reintroduction, he will provide England with much more firepower up front and equip Roy Hodgson with an opportunity to vary his tactics. Ashley Young can be moved to his favourite position, while James Milner, Theo Walcott and Alex-Oxlade Chamberlain can maraud over the right flank. 

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