Manchester United: Top 5 Players Who Could Lead United To League Glory
Recent days have seen Wayne Rooney make the headlines for all the wrong reasons, and with the word out that the English forward is unhappy and looking to leave, many clubs are licking their lips at the opportunity to attract his services.
With that in mind, there lies an opportunity for others within the squad to step up their game and be counted as United look towards a 19th Premier League title.
Many would come out screaming suggesting United don't have enough to challenge Chelsea and Man City who look the strongest contenders, but taking a careful look around the United dressing room, there is sufficient talent and ability to put on a decent fight.
Currently five points shy of the log leaders, serious work is required, complacency is a major concern and lack thereof has proven costly already.
Here are five players whose contribution could see United push towards another league title.
Anderson
1 of 5
Age: 22
Nationality: Brazilian
Position: Central Midfield
The young, energetic Brazilian has already shown why Sir Alex brought him to Old Trafford: his quickness, great strength and good control in the center of the pitch.
Anderson has been criticized since his arrival as been one of those players who waste opportunities and at times wants to be to clever.
But for some reason, i always have been of the view that he has so much in his locker, and if given enough time he could develop into a world class player.
His vision at times in unparalleled, he has the ability to hold off defenders and create the perfect pass.
While he cannot be compared to the likes of Paul Scholes, his performances thus far this season has been by far better than Micheal Carrick and at times Darren Fletcher.
Ferguson needs to use him more regularly, he also been so young has great energy reserves.
Nani
2 of 5
Age: 23
Nationality: Portuguese
Position: Winger
For a long time Nani was playing in the shadow of his close friend and countryman Cristiano Ronaldo. But since his departure, Nani has had the opportunity to step out of his comfort zone and establish his own game.
The results of that have shown in his improvement both towards the second half of last season and the start of the current season.
Nani has also enjoyed more game time. With the injuries to Antonio Valencia and Ryan Giggs, Sir Alex has called on Nani to deliver, and his taken the opportunity with open arms.
Consistency will be his biggest challenge, and with the absence of Wayne Rooney—who seems almost certain to leave by January—Nani amongst others will have to contribute towards the goal count if United want to have any chance of winning the league.
Nemanja Vidic
3 of 5
Age: 29
Nationality: Serbian
Position: Central Defender
Fearless and always determined to win a challenge, Vidic has become the rock of United's defence and an integral part to the squad.
Vidic is also the club captain and with that comes more responsibility, something he will welcome and look to build upon.
Not very long ago the media speculated he was leaving United for Barcelona, but he quickly put those rumors to bed when he signed an extension to his contract.
Now Nemanja will look to lead United to another league victory, but with huge work ahead, the first task will be to beat Stoke away, a challenge many Premier League clubs find difficulty.
Patrice Evra
4 of 5
Age: 30
Nationality: French
Position: Left Back
Patrice has evolved into one of the top left backs in the world. His speed/pace and sharpness makes him a problem both at the back and when going forward.
Evra enjoys running down the left flank, and attacking the opposition defense with his quick feet and trickery.
His commitment and endurance will be vital towards the team's course.
Dimitar Berbatov
5 of 5
Age: 29
Nationality: Bulgarian
Position: Striker
The former Spurs man has shown his class and immense ability since his arrival, but this season he has stepped it up and made finishing an art.
Berbatov has become the lifeline to United's challenge in a time when Wayne Rooney has slipped up in form.
Not very long ago, Dimitar enjoyed a view from the sidelines more often than not. Now he is the leader of the attack.
Amongst the other strikers, he will have the largest chunk of the work. United needs goals if they want even a peek at the title, and goals are what his known for.
Already having scored some of the most mouth-watering goals since the start of the season, the Bulgarian striker hopes to be consistent enough to find the net week in and week out.
Having gone through preseason without any injuries, and following it up with some remarkable performances (amongst them a standout hat trick against arch-rivals Liverpool), Berbatov is ready for the fight.
