5 Manchester United Players Whose Stock Fell in 2014/15 Premier League Season

After a mixed season all round, who are the Manchester United players whose reputations have taken the biggest hit? 

There are plenty to chose from, as it has been a difficult campaign for many in United's squad. 

However, these are the five who have suffered the most, either through their own performances, injuries or a combination of the two.

Radamel Falcao

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Hope, expectation, tons of support from the crowd, a good deal of toil and effort and ultimately profound disappointment.

This was the story of Radamel Falcao's brief career as a United player. 

One of Europe's most dangerous predators two seasons ago, Falcao at his best would easily have warranted his astronomical wages. The chances of finding someone who will pay them now is surely a long shot. Devoid of confidence and lacking the explosion of pace over five yards which once made him so difficult to deal with, 2014/15 Falcao looked like a shadow of himself.

His stock has plummeted, but given how well-liked he was at Old Trafford, most fans will wish him well as he attempts to rebuild its value—assuming he does not end up at one of United's rivals. 

Angel Di Maria

Associated Press

Unlike Falcao, Angel Di Maria at least has the chance to rebuild his stock at United. Pages of column inches have been filled by coverage of his oh-so disappointing first season at the club, but to precis—electrifying start, shaky middle and almost non-existent end. 

Of course the much-touted fact that he has the most assists of anyone at United has to be taken into consideration. There have probably been just enough signs of promise to hope that things will improve next time out. 

But considering the wonderful season he had for Real Madrid in 2013/14—particularly in the second half of the season—his poor form for United has been a serious disappointment.

His stock has most certainly fallen.

Adnan Januzaj

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Adnan Januzaj offered hope where little seemed to exist during the dark days of David Moyes' tenure at United. 

This season, however, he has been considerably less involved, and has been unable to replicate his early impact. 

Assuming Louis van Gaal believes in the youngster, there is plenty of cause to hope that things will improve. United can be reasonably expected to play 4-3-3 for most of next season, meaning two natural positions exist in the side for Januzaj. 

Januzaj himself said, per Samuel Luckhurst of Manchester Evening News on Wednesday: 

"

It’s been quite a difficult season but I still have many years to come. I’m still only 20 and that’s what people forget. I’m always working hard to try to prove myself.

Sometimes you need to be patient but when you’ve got the chance you need to try and take it.

I’m working hard first in training and it’s also important outside of training to work hard in the gym, which I’m doing at the minute to build myself and make myself stronger. I’m getting there.

"

It is clear that he is making every effort to improve matters next season. He will need to.

Robin Van Persie

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Ten goals in the Premier League looks like a decent return, but the story of Robin van Persie's season is one of regular poor performances and long barren spells.

United's best form came after Van Persie was injured against Swansea City, causing Van Gaal to shuffle the pack ahead of the Tottenham Hotspur game, which finally led to a balanced-looking side. 

He was hampered by having to play alongside Falcao—Van Persie's best performances at United have almost always come when he has played up front on his own. However, his personal form was also just bad for long stretches. He has snatched at chances where once a cool head would have prevailed. 

Last season could have been written off as a blip, but Van Persie's age means that two bad seasons in a row naturally lead to speculation about his long-term future.

Rafael

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Of everyone on this list, Rafael is possibly the player whose on-pitch performances have had the least to do with his falling stock. 

In his brief appearances for Van Gaal, he has generally done well—particularly against West Ham United at home. 

However, he has played just three minutes for the first team since 4 January. Van Gaal has chosen Antonio Valencia ahead of him at right-back regardless of whether Rafael has been available or not. Before Van Gaal's arrival there was little doubt that Rafael was United's first-choice right-back when everyone was fit. Now there is little doubt that it is Valencia.

Rafael's stock has plummeted to the extent that it is hard to see him remaining at the club come next season.