Manchester United Player Grades Under David Moyes

Since David Moyes took the helm at Manchester United, the likes of Wayne Rooney, Robin van Persie and the emerging Adnan Januzaj have flourished.

On the flip side, Marouane Fellaini, Tom Cleverley and Nani have stuttered.

Here, we hand out player grades for United's main squad players this season.

Expect a mixed bag of grades, which will reflect United's indifferent start to the season.

To reach the lofty heights of an A or B grade, players were deemed to have gone above and beyond what was expected of them at the start of the season. Goals, assists, tackles, saves and more fit the criteria here.

Conversely, those languishing in the Cs and Ds were marked on consistently poor contributions to the team.

So, without further ado, let's run through the heroes and villains of Manchester United's season thus far... 

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Goalkeeper: David De Gea

PLAYER GRADE: A

If United win the Premier League this season—however unlikely that might seem right now—then don't forget De Gea's save against Sunderland, shown in the video clip above. 

It changed the course of the game.

Had United gone 2-0 down, it would have been difficult to see them recovering from there. Moyes' men started slowly in that match and it took a wonderful, diving save from De Gea to spark the Red Devils into life. 

In a more general assessment, though, De Gea has been a superb final line of defence. He is a completely different player to the one we first saw in a United shirt. If he carries on the way he has started this season, then expect that A to become an A+. 

Goalkeeper: Anders Lindegaard

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Lindegaard's playing time has been minimal under Moyes.

PLAYER GRADE: B-

It's difficult really to assess Lindegaard under Moyes, given the lack of playing time he has had. The Dane is a solid 'keeper and he has shown that when called upon.

His first and only appearance this season was a good one, too. He kept a clean sheet against Norwich in the Capital One Cup and was quick to put Robert Snodgrass in a recovery position when the Norwich star suffered a head injury. 

Speaking to Manutd.com, Lindegaard explained what happened:

"

I just did what any decent human being would have done. You hear stories about players passing out and swallowing their tongue, so that was the only thing I was thinking about. I turned him on his side and then spoke to the doctors. It was just an instinctive reaction.

"

Despite the fact that he now plays second fiddle to De Gea, Lindegaard remains a viable back-up. Tall, authoritative and commanding, he has all the attributes required of a top-class 'keeper. And, at 29 years old, he still has plenty of his career ahead of him. 

Right-Back: Rafael

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Rafael has been hampered by injury so far this season.

PLAYER GRADE: B-

When he has played this season, Rafael has been as solid as ever. The trouble is that injury has prevented him from playing on a regular basis. 

First, he hobbled off during the Community Shield victory over Wigan with a hamstring injury in August that kept him out of action until the middle of September. Then, ankle ligament damage kept him out of crucial ties against Real Sociedad in the Champions League and Arsenal in the Premier League. 

The good news for United fans, though, is that he has resumed training this week.

That's crucial. Rafael is now a mainstay in the back four and Moyes will need him to stay fit this season if United are to challenge for silverware. His partnership with Antonio Valencia on the right is strong and the pair share attacking and defensive responsibilities ever so well. 

He has the gritty determination needed in the English game, all the while maintaining that bit of Brazilian flair. 

Right-Back/Central Defence: Chris Smalling

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Smalling's potential is frightening.

PLAYER GRADE: B

Smalling is by no means a perfect player, but he's been impressive under Moyes. 

In Rafael's absence, he has played well at right-back and has been able to sustain the attacking threat provided by the Brazilian. In the win over Arsenal, he made a number of marauding surges deep into the opponent's half. He was also solid in defence against a team that possesses such a varied attacking threat.

To improve upon that B grade, Smalling must be better in possession. A number of times this season, he has given the ball away cheaply.

He's got the technical ability to prosper at either right-back or centre-back, though, which will prove invaluable to United and Moyes. At just 24 years old, he has his better years ahead of him. 

With a few improvements, he could become a United and England regular. 

Central Defence/Central Midfield: Phil Jones

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Jones has been effective wherever he's been played this season.

PLAYER GRADE: A

Although he began the season at right-back, Jones has been superb in midfield in recent weeks. Combative, assured and confident in possession, he's been the perfect foil for Michael Carrick when the two have played together. 

He fully deserves his A grade.

In the opening 45 minutes against Arsenal, he was monstrous. Jones was able to disrupt Arsenal's attacking flow and ensured that the Gunners never really threatened De Gea's goal. It was telling that Arsenal became more dangerous when Jones moved into defence later in the game. 

Shortly before he departed, Sir Alex Ferguson made a bold prediction that Jones could become one of United's greatest players of all time. Still only 21 years old, Jones hasn't let Ferguson down so far.

When all of United's players are fully fit, Jones starts. It's a remarkable feat for such a young man. 

Central Defence: Rio Ferdinand

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There's no doubt that Ferdinand is in the latter stages of his career.

PLAYER GRADE: C

Ferdinand will go down as one of United's all-time great defenders, regardless of how he performs in his final few seasons at Old Trafford. Over the years, he has demonstrated a magnificent understanding of the game and has been one of the more technically proficient defenders in world football.

He must, however, be judged in the same manner as all of the other players.

And, because of that, he has been slightly disappointing this season. A number of times he has been caught out of position and has lacked the turn of pace that he once had. It would be all too easy to pin his form on his age alone, but it's certainly clear that his best years are behind him.

Ferdinand still has plenty to offer, though, so he can improve upon that C grade. 

He will be called upon many times during the remainder of the season and when that happens, he must be resolute. He's never likely to reach the level he was at a few seasons ago, but that's not what's expected of him. Rather, we need to see that cool, calm and collected defender who is comfortable on the ball. That's all you can ask for.

Central Defence: Nemanja Vidic

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Vidic is still the club's best defender.

PLAYER GRADE: B-

Much like Ferdinand, Vidic is nearing retirement. Unlike Ferdinand, however, he's still relatively near the top of his game. Solid, reliable and a major presence in the back four, he is as important as ever in his role as club captain.

That doesn't mean he's been perfect, though. 

He's made a couple of glaring errors and couldn't get close to Manchester City's attackers in the derby-day mauling. That's why he's been awarded a B-. If we're talking specifics, who remembers his awful clearance that gifted Sunderland the lead earlier in the season?

That's not what we have come to expect of Vidic. 

What we do expect of him is that steely, physical brute who is prepared to throw his body on the line. If we continue to see that—with fewer mistakes in his play—then expect him to improve upon his current rating.

Central Defence: Jonny Evans

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Evans will lead the transition from the Ferdinand-Vidic era under Moyes.

PLAYER GRADE: B+

The days where United fans winced at the sight of seeing Evans in the starting line-up are long gone. Make no mistake, he is a top-class defender. At 25, he's of an age where Moyes can build the defence around him and the aforementioned Jones. 

It's a partnership that could rival the duo of Ferdinand and Vidic. 

This season, Evans has been a mainstay in the starting XI and a long-term injury would be disastrous to the balance in the defence. It speaks volumes that he is now a player whom United fans hope to see in the team.

To improve upon a B+, Evans can only continue to improve. He needs to develop a presence to ensure that he becomes a more formidable defender. That will come with time, though. 

Left-Back: Patrice Evra

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Evra was United's Man of the Match away at Real Sociedad, which shows he still has much to offer.

PLAYER GRADE: A

While his long-term future at the club is still uncertain—as Moyes looks set to move for Leighton Baines—Evra has been fantastic in the early going this season. He's enjoyed more freedom on United's left-hand side and has harnessed the defensive and attacking responsibilities in the absence of a true left winger. 

His A grade is completely justified. 

Yes, he has made one or two mistakes. He was at fault for Cardiff's equaliser in the 2-2 draw and he is still prone to being caught out of position.

But, having said that, he's still one of the club's more reliable players. And he carries a goal threat, too, which is an added bonus. 

To maintain that A grade, Evra must be strong in defence and sustain an attacking threat. His passion and commitment cannot be questioned, it's just a case of him tidying up one or two minor areas of his game. 

Left-Back: Alexander Buttner

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Moyes shouldn't be afraid to call on Buttner's services when needed.

PLAYER GRADE: B-

Much like Lindegaard, Buttner's appearances have been restricted to outings in the Capital One Cup. There's no doubt that he is the No. 2 choice at left-back behind Evra, but that's not such a bad thing.

At least, Moyes shouldn't view it that way.

Because, when he has been called upon, Buttner has shown that he is a good player. Far from the finished article, maybe, but his general play is not bad at all. He needs a run of consecutive games under his belt before he can be properly judged and that will surely come with time. 

He's still learning his game and will no doubt continue to develop his defensive and attacking skills.

That being said, he is 24 years old. He's not a youngster any more. So, for him to improve upon his current rating, he needs to convince Moyes in training that he is worthy of a few more appearances. 

Left-Back: Fabio

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Fabio may decide that his future doesn't lie at Old Trafford.

PLAYER GRADE: B

Like Buttner, Fabio's chances in the first team have been few and far between. His B grade is awarded almost by default.

On his one notable appearance this season, though, he scored the fourth goal in United's win over Norwich. While he may be streets behind his brother in terms of their development, he still shows glimpses that he could progress to become a world-class player. 

Moyes' dilemma is to judge whether he can accommodate that development, especially when he seems so intent on signing Baines.

The chances are, therefore, that Fabio will depart Old Trafford sooner rather than later. It's a shame, because he has all the attributes to succeed at United, without getting the game time to show it. 

Right Midfield: Antonio Valencia

PLAYER GRADE: B

How Valencia will wish he could play Bayer Leverkusen every week! Two games, two goals and two exceptional performances.

If any player in the United squad has had a mixed start to the season, it's Valencia. He was awful in the Manchester derby and hasn't really set the world alight in other Premier League games. On the European stage, though, he's been excellent. 

Check out his goal against Bayer Leverkusen in the clip above, because that's what United need from Valencia week in, week out. The commentator certainly seemed to enjoy it, didn't he? 

Because of his indifferent form, expect Valencia's grade to change by the season's end. If he is able to replicate his European form on a consistent basis, then his rating will soar. A lower grade will be inevitable, however, if he is not able to do just that. 

Right Midfield: Nani

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Nani has found himself ousted by younger blood in the form of Januzaj.

PLAYER GRADE: C-

When your own fans begin to boo you, then you know something is very wrong. Sadly, for Nani, that's precisely what happened when he was substituted in the home fixture against Stoke. Yes, the boos were distasteful and completely unhelpful, but they do tell a story. 

That story revolves around Nani being one of the most frustrating players in the modern game.

He has absolutely everything needed to become a world-class player. Speed, skill, agility and unpredictability are all impressive elements of his game. It's just that, unfortunately, we rarely get to see those attributes on show. 

He's been below average this season and don't let anyone tell you otherwise. 

So, how can he better his current rating? Well, it's simple. He must deliver goals and assists to a team that is bereft of natural attacking players. He's out of favour at the moment, but when he gets a chance, he must take it. 

Central Midfield: Tom Cleverley

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Cleverley faltered when given a chance to shine vs. Cardiff.

PLAYER GRADE: C

Speaking of frustrating players, here comes Cleverley. 

United fans are just willing him to succeed in that central midfield role, but he seems destined not to do so. Time after time, he has failed to make an impression and his chances are running out. While Michael Carrick is injured, he has to step up. It's really that simple. 

If he doesn't, then he could find himself out of favour when Moyes signs a new midfielder. 

And that's why he must improve upon that C grade. Cleverley needs to show Moyes that he can be a fixture in that midfield over the next five years or so. He's technically sound and he shows great tenacity, too; he just needs to bring it all together. 

Central Midfield: Michael Carrick

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Carrick's return to fitness is vitally important for Moyes.

PLAYER GRADE: A- 

Mercifully, United have Carrick to hold the midfield together. He is one of the club's most important players and has arguably been the best player over the last two years. Equally adept at contributing defensively and in attack, Carrick is United's orchestrator. He runs the show. 

I guess you're wondering why he's got an A- and not an A then, huh?

Well, for all of Carrick's good work this season, he hasn't quite hit the level he set in the last one. Injury has played its part in that sense, of course. When he does return to the starting XI, though, United will be a markedly improved team. That sort of impact is rare in modern football and should be celebrated.

That's why Carrick continues to be severely underrated. 

Central Midfield: Marouane Fellaini

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Fellaini is yet to settle at United and it's showing.

PLAYER GRADE: D

You may think a D grade is harsh, but when you think about it, it's impossible to justify giving Fellaini anything higher than that.

He really has been poor since joining from Everton for £27.5 million. He's been clumsy in possession and is committing too many fouls, which has been disappointing to watch.

Moyes was forced to concede as much, with the quotes provided by Jamie Jackson of The Guardian:

"

For a lot of people who join Manchester United—it doesn't always happen as quickly as you would like. He needed to take time but we threw him in very quickly. Ideally we would have bedded him in more gently and at the right opportunities. But we had to put him into some big games at quite a difficult time for us.

"

It's a fair assessment from Moyes, though most fans will naturally be more critical. When you spend that sort of money on any player, regardless of the circumstances, you have to be sure that you're going to be rewarded for such a hefty price tag. That hasn't happened with Fellaini.

In time, Fellaini's grade will improve, it's just a question of how much. 

Central Midfield: Anderson

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Anderson's showings this season haven't exactly impressed.

PLAYER GRADE: C

It's just not going to happen for Anderson, is it?

Whenever he's handed an opportunity in midfield, he seems to waste it. He's just not convincing at all in the heart of United's midfield. He was poor against Crystal Palace and West Brom, games in which United failed to play their best football. 

Of course, Anderson is not the sole reason for that, but he is a big part of it. 

Poor showings are always more evident in midfield and that's certainly the case with Anderson. He may only have one or two more chances before he departs Old Trafford, so don't expect that C grade to change anytime soon. 

Central Midfield: Ryan Giggs

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Giggs continues to dazzle at the grand old age of 40.

PLAYER GRADE: A- 

Giggs has been one of United's better players in Europe this season; he ran the show at home against Real Sociedad and away at Bayer Leverkusen. In the latter game, Jones proved to be a perfect partner as the duo simultaneously outran and out-passed the Leverkusen midfield.

Giggs did the passing, obviously. 

So why does that warrant an A- then? Well, contrast Giggs' few performances to those of Fellaini and Cleverley. He's been far more effective than the two of those players put together. And because of his trophy-winning experience, he will be crucial during the remainder of the season.

One of modern football's all-time greats still has life in him yet, there's no doubting that.

Yes, he has slowed down and he doesn't have the fitness to play every game. But that doesn't matter because when he does play, he can still do the business for Moyes and United. 

Central Attacking Midfield/Left Midfield: Shinji Kagawa

PLAYER GRADE: A- 

One slide is not quite enough fully to explain and discuss Kagawa's contribution this season, but here goes nothing.

The argument as to who plays in the No. 10 role between Rooney and Kagawa will continue to rumble on. You can make strong cases for both of them right now and the video clip above puts forward Kagawa's claim nicely.

He was a revelation away at Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League.

And when he has played in the No. 10 role this season, he has looked excellent. Nifty, agile and with an unrivalled sense of where his teammates are, Kagawa injects the creative spark that has been lacking all too often from United this season.

His A- grade is awarded for his perseverance on the left-hand side when he has been asked to play there but also for his cameo appearances in his favoured position. 

If he gets more opportunities to play in the No. 10 role, then his rating will no doubt reach an A or A+. Whether Moyes is prepared to play him there ahead of Rooney is a different matter.

Left Midfield: Ashley Young

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Young's diving has been disgraceful and nothing less than that.

PLAYER GRADE: D-

Young takes the unfortunate accolade of being awarded the lowest rating of United's players under Moyes.

Yes, his diving has been unforgivable, but he's also failed to make an impression with the ball at his feet. It's been a couple of months to forget for Young, that's for sure. He, like most United players on the day, was a peripheral figure in the Manchester derby and has rarely been involved since. 

Even when he has been selected, he's been controversial. 

Crystal Palace and Real Sociedad were two games in which the winger flopped to the ground with marginal contact. If he has any ambitions of improving upon his woeful start to the season, he has to cut out the diving. 

There's no ifs or buts on that one. 

Given the nature of United's heavy fixture pile-up, though, he will probably get a couple of chances here and there. If he holds his width, beats a defender and provides decent crosses, then he can better that D-.

Just don't expect it to happen, that's all.

Left Midfield: Adnan Januzaj

PLAYER GRADE: B+ 

Januzaj has been a genuine success story during Moyes' early tenure. He enjoyed a bright preseason and has carried that form into the season proper. Januzaj announced himself on the world stage with a wonderful brace away at Sunderland that secured all three points for United.

Have a look at the 21-second video clip above to see what all the fuss is about. 

He really has been a breath of fresh air. Energetic, skilful and with an eye for a pass, too, he has the makings of a future world-class footballer. It's important, therefore, that United have tied him down to a five-year contract, as reported by Ian McCourt of The Guardian. 

You may be wondering why he hasn't got an A for his terrific start. Well, it would be wise to promote caution at this early stage of his career. A handful of great games, some of which have come from the bench, isn't enough to justify the top grade. 

Having said that, if he carries on this season the way he has started, then an A is all but guaranteed. 

Left Midfield/Forward: Danny Welbeck

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Welbeck made a good start to the season with a brace against Swansea.

PLAYER GRADE: B

It's difficult to award Welbeck a grade in the early going this season. He made such an excellent start with two contrasting goals vs. Swansea. One was a poacher's finish and the other a deft chip befitting of any top-class football game. 

Since then, however, injury has held him back. 

Knee trouble almost forced him to revert to surgery, but he has since returned to action. That's crucial for Moyes because Welbeck's athleticism on the left-hand side will be needed in certain games. And if he can replicate his goalscoring form that we saw against Swansea, then he has much to offer.

That's what it comes down to, really. If Welbeck can score more goals, then his grade will go up. 

Forward: Wayne Rooney

PLAYER GRADE: A+

Who predicted Rooney's start to the season during preseason? Nobody.

It's a remarkable turnaround as Rooney has unequivocally been United's best player this season, despite him looking likely to leave just a few months ago. He's scored goals, created chances and put his body on the line when it mattered. 

There's a reason why his free-kick against Manchester City was chosen on this slide, you know.

He was the only player in red that day to come away with some credit and has continued to lead United's recovery since then. If he continues to play the way he has been, then that A+ won't be changing any time soon. 

For now, let's just enjoy one of the best players in the world doing his thing. 

Forward: Javier Hernandez

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Chicharito has been on the fringes of too many games this season.

PLAYER GRADE: B-

Had he not have scored the winner against Stoke, then Chicharito would have been awarded a C+. That game-winning knack that he has is a special talent and is one that can't go unrecognised.

But we must look deeper than that. 

Because, sadly, Chicharito has been poor in other aspects this season. Versus Cardiff, he was barely involved and was substituted late on. If he is to play more games for United, then he has to offer more than just goals.

Some fans won't be prepared to accept that, but it's the truth. 

Currently, he is most effective when brought on to grab a goal or two as the opposition's defence has grown weary. If he continues to be a menace and works on his all-around game—which is getting better—then he can improve upon his rating. 

Forward: Robin Van Persie

PLAYER GRADE: A

If any United fan suggests a starting line-up that doesn't include van Persie, then show them the video clip above. Goals win games and RVP scores them for fun. What's more, he can score any and every type of goal. 

Penalties, tap-ins, headers, free-kicks, volleys and everything in between is what he bases his game on.

His winning goal against Arsenal and the celebration that went with it shows how valuable he is to Moyes. United look better with him on the pitch, that's how straightforward it is.

To reach an A+, he's got to go on a goalscoring run and, if he stays fit for long enough, then it's very likely to happen.