Manchester United: 5 Players David Moyes Can Dramatically Improve

When a new manager arrives at a club, the shakeup has the potential to revitalise the careers of some of the fringe players in the squad.

The passing of the torch from Sir Alex Ferguson to David Moyes at Manchester United is one example.

There are a number of players at Old Trafford who could see their current standing in the first team improve under the former Everton boss.

Others—like Nick Powell, for example—could see their careers blossom and thrive in the coming years.

This article will pick five United players who should be excited to work under Moyes, an excellent man-manager and coach.

Anderson

Anderson is 25 years old, and should really be reaching the peak of his playing career.

The Brazilian has been on Manchester United's books since 2007, and has not yet had one particularly noteworthy campaign.

His time at Old Trafford has been checkered with injury problems and a lack of consistency—Sir Alex always seemed to prefer other options in the roaming central midfield role.

Next season—if he is not sold this summer, that is—Anderson would be wise to consider the opportunity of working under David Moyes a fresh start.

Moyes' penchant for hard-working grafters in the middle could suit his style of game well. The manager will be willing to give every player in the squad a chance to impress. 

Antonio Valencia

The majority of United fans have not yet lost faith in Antonio Valencia's abilities, even if his form this past season was nonexistent. 

He huffed up and down the right flank with no effect—his initial burst of pace gone, his final ball poor.

The Ecuadorian winger admitted as much in March (via ManUtd.com), saying "When you have suffered from a couple of injuries, sometimes it is hard to get back to those fitness levels where you can play full of confidence and show your ability in its best light."

Under Moyes, who will likely continue to deploy two traditional wingers, Valencia could bounce back swiftly.

This is, after all, the man who was arguably the Red Devils' best player in the 2011/12 season.  

Nick Powell

Nick Powell may have only made six appearances for the United first team this season, but he looks a heck of a player.

Comparisons with a young Paul Scholes—shifting the ball from wing-to-wing in attacking midfield—are deserved.

David Moyes has a good history with developing young players. If they have been good enough, he has been more than willing to give them a chance.

Unless he is sent out on loan, Powell should feature more next season for the Red Devils. Sir Alex Ferguson may have been keen on sending him elsewhere for a year, but Moyes will want to keep the young phenom around, at least initially.

He will respond well to the Moyes work ethic, flourishing in a midfield in need of his potential talent. 

Alex Buttner

After a terrific first half of the season, the form of Patrice Evra faded a little this year.

He is still both a capable attacking and defensive player, but at 32, age may be finally catching up with him

The French full-back will be pressed for his place in the first team by backup Alex Buttner—an equally physical, attacking defender.

There is the possibility that David Moyes will try to lure Everton's Leighton Baines to Old Trafford to replace Evra outright, but money is surely better spent elsewhere.

Buttner is a quality player, and one who could see dramatic improvement under the new United boss who loves overloading the flanks and creating mismatches.

Shinji Kagawa

Shinji Kagawa's role at Manchester United has been one that has frustrated a great number of fans, myself included.

In January, I wrote "Kagawa is a nimble trequartista... United must play to his strengths and allow him to operate in an advanced position."

His former manager at Borussia Dortmund, Jurgen Klopp, said this past week:

"

Shinji Kagawa is one of the best players in the world and he now plays 20 minutes at Manchester United—on the left wing! My heart breaks. Really, I have tears in my eyes.

Central midfield is Shinji's best role. He's an offensive midfielder with one of the best noses for goal I ever saw.

"

Moyes may not have a track record of utilising players like Kagawa, but this has been because of a lack of personnel rather than choice.

He will continue to condition him to the British game, while giving him plenty of chances to run riot between the lines.

Moyes' training regime will do Kagawa the world of good.

With Wayne Rooney possibly on his way out, next season could be the Japan international's breakthrough year.

Who else could see improvement under David Moyes next term?

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