5 Players with a Point to Prove During Manchester United's Preseason

Manchester United's preseason kicks off this weekend in Bangkok with a clash against the Singha All Star XI.

The Red Devils' summer programme will take them to Australia, Japan and Hong Kong all in the name of preparation for the upcoming season.

David Moyes will keep a keen eye on his new batch of players, but a keener eye on some.

Here are five United players who have a point to prove to their new manager over the next few weeks.

According to the Daily Mail, injury may prevent Nani, Chris Smalling and Ashley Young from playing, which is a shame, as all three would have made this list otherwise. 

Wayne Rooney

It has been a turbulent few months for Manchester United forward Wayne Rooney.

Former manager Sir Alex Ferguson claimed the England international had designs on leaving Old Trafford at the end of last season, but the 27-year-old now appears likely to stay.

David Moyes confirmed as much in his first press conference at United, saying (via The Telegraph): "Whatever happened before has gone now. We are working together now. I have seen a glint in his eye, he looks happy and looks as if he is going to knuckle down."

This had better be the case. Rooney will have to be back to his very best, playing with a good attitude to swiftly earn the forgiveness of fans of the Red Devils.

Preseason would be the perfect place to start. 

Antonio Valencia

Antonio Valencia was perhaps Manchester United's most disappointing player last season.

Entering the campaign off the back of a terrific 2011/12 season in which he was named the club's player of the year, expectations were sky-high for the Ecuadorian winger.

However, he fell flat. Injury problems and a drop in confidence prevented him from running riot along the right flank as he has typically done.

Next season must see an improvement from the 27-year-old. Not just in increasing his tally of one goal from last term, but his overall creativity as well.

He has the potential to thrive in the wingplay-orientated David Moyes system. 

Jonny Evans

Chris Smalling's absence from the Red Devils' preseason tour should increase playing time for fellow central defender Jonny Evans.

The Northern Ireland international had a promising first half of last season at Old Trafford, but ultimately saw his role diminish after the new year with the return of Nemanja Vidic from injury.

With David Moyes being linked with a move for Benfica defender Ezequiel Garay this summer, Evans needs to be in top form this season to justify his place at the club (via The Mirror).

He is 25 years old and rapidly reaching the peak of his playing abilities. He needs to make that final step forward sooner rather than later.

Preseason will give Moyes a good opportunity to assess his options at the back. 

Danny Welbeck

If Wayne Rooney does choose to stay at Old Trafford, an even bigger onus will fall on Danny Welbeck to increase his productivity next term.

With Javier Hernandez and Robin van Persie also competing for spots in the Red Devils attack, Welbeck will need to dramatically increase his goal rate.

The England international only scored two goals in all competitions last campaign—two fewer than his tally for country.

He looked a nervous player in the penalty area, lacking the composure all good finishers need.

Moyes will be keen to promote young British talent, but not at the expense of players who are producing the goods on a regular basis. 

Wilfried Zaha

It seems bizarre than new United signing Wilfried Zaha is being linked with a loan move once again next season.

According to the Evening Standard: "Crystal Palace, Fulham and West Ham are waiting on Manchester United to see if they will loan out Wilfried Zaha for a second time."

Why David Moyes would want to send a talented young player away from Old Trafford before he has even put on the red shirt is baffling.

Nevertheless, if Zaha wants to play a significant role in the United first team next season, he will need to impress the demanding manager as soon as possible.

He should be able to run riot in games against lesser opponents this summer.

What other players have a point to prove in preseason?