Patrice Evra and Four Other Seniors to Make a Difference

After previewing some of the more likely youngsters to make their mark this season in my previous slideshow, now we take a peek into the more experienced lads who could add to the success at Old Trafford.

The most important aspect in any team, is having the correct balance of youth and experience. Another focus should be ensuring existing players are kept hungry and new players have ambition and desire to reach the goals of the club.

Manchester United and Sir Alex Ferguson has been able to successfully do this over the last 20 years, creating squads with a hunger to win, and win more.

With the competition increased both domestically and in Europe, there is once again pressure on United to perform and perform at their best every time they step on the pitch.

These performances are characterized by a simple aspect of team play. So while the importance of the youth structure is stressed, these five experienced campaigners could be vital for United's challenge.

Patrice Evra

With the absence of Vidic at the back, Patrice has been the key player to lead Manchester United although many would say he had an easy run with excellent performances from Phil Jones, Johnny Evans and Chris Smallings.

Nevertheless the role of the captain should never be undermined, and Patrice has shown great leadership to steer United to five consecutive victories.

Individually he's always been important, controlling the left flank with darting runs that create spaces. He also enjoys his attacking role.

With many new faces in the defense, most notably that of David De Gea between the sticks, Evra will be one of the players required to bring stability and a sense of calmness to the back lines.

Nemanja Vidic

There's no doubt the young kids have played their part in restricting goalscoring opportunities and defended their goal with pride as the experienced brigade was missing with injury.

But many are still hoping team captain Vidic returns as soon as possible, just to sure up the defense  against more attacking teams.

His presence in front of goal, will also elevate the confidence of Spanish goalkeeper David De Gea.

With United's biggest test to come when they face rivals Manchester City and in my opinion Liverpool, they will need every possible resource available to ensure they continue their dominance.

Ryan Giggs

Some might say his presence in the squad is just to ensure he ends his career on a more positive note following his personal issues.

Well in my opinion, Giggsy has much more to offer the squad as a whole. He's already shown his quality in the Champions League match against Benfica followed by another positive performance against Leeds in the Carling Cup having scored in both games. 

While United are blessed to have more than six wingers, none might have the knowledge and experience like Ryan Giggs,

His mere presence on the training ground and dressing room is enough to boost the confidence of many players young and old.

Sir Alex will use him wisely, a few starts with a number of sub roles. But he will impact the team and squad especially in European matches and against some of the tougher clubs in the Premier League.

Wayne Rooney

Could it be his season? Well it sure does look as if he will score 25-plus goals with a blistering start already scoring nine goals in the league in just five games.

With young strikers alongside him (Javier Hernandez, Fredrico Macheda, Danny Welbeck) — Wayne will need to be on top of his game ensuring he maintains this good run for as long as possible.

Already we can see notable changes in his game play, falling back and making runs alongside the wide players, but also being available in the box when required to.

During the Chelsea match, Rooney was key in the defense of almost three attempts on goal which just shows his determination and role within the team.

Ashley Young

In terms of experience Ashley Young has enough in the Premier League having played over 150 games for Aston Villa.

Now 26 years old, he's made the move to one of the biggest clubs in the world with massive expectations and the pressure from millions of fans.

But it seems the English international has embraced the task at hand and already seems a favorite at Old Trafford.

Playing on the left wing, he's become a danger almost every time he moves forward and with the likes of Rooney, Nani and Hernandez to benefit from, he could be a difficult character for opposition defenders.

Young is one of the new comers so he will be oozing with hunger and desire to get his hands on the English title.

His role with Nani could be crucial as the two look to cement a permanent spot in the starting 11 following the recovery of another brilliant winger in Antonio Valencia.