The keen sense of looking into the future is not a common trait among mankind. However, the present can serve as an indication of the future. How exactly would Manchester United look in five years time? Since we cannot predict the future signings, we have to settle with the current squad players to predict the squad for the future.

 

1. Goalkeeper: David De Gea

David De Gea has recently been  fantastic and has become an integral part of the Manchester United line up, fending off competition from Anders Lindegaard and becoming the undisputed number one. In five years, De Gea will surely be one of the best in the world, and will gain international praise. Expect more brilliant saves from the flying Spaniard in the future.

2. Right Back :Phil Jones

Signed in June from Blackburn Rovers for a hefty fee, Phil Jones has had an average first season. It is clear that he was not signed to play in his natural centre back position after his first season at Man Utd. Phil Jones probably gave his best performance of the season against Chelsea at Old Trafford at Right Back. His clean tackling, good dribbling and marauding runs will ensure him a right back slot. What’s more is the fact that he can play at Centre midfield too.

Phil Jones will also play a key part for England in the 2014 World Cup.

3.Centre Back : Chris Smalling

Chris Smalling’s recent injuries might have relegated him to the bench but he certainly is too good a defender to stay on the bench. Being more disciplined, he is much better at the centre back slot than phil Jones, Smalling will play in his natural centre back slot. Another factor could be Smalling’s amazing performances against big teams.

4. Centre Back : Jonny Evans( Vice Captain)

Jonny Evans has all the attributes to make a great leader.

Jonny Evans has had a terrific season and has taken full advantage of Nemanja Vidic’s recent injury. There is no doubt that Evans will become a crucial part of Man United’s defence. He will be the leader of the Man United defence, taking up the mantle from Nemanja Vidic whose age is catching up with him. In five years, Evans will be at his peak and will be one of the best defenders in the Premier League.

5. Left Back : Fabio Da Silva :

It is certain that Fabio will leave on loan next season. Fabio is expected to gain a lot of experience under his belt. With Patrice Evra’s inconsistent displays attracting a lot of flak, Fabio will be asked to step up to the role of left back . He makes excellent overlapping runs and the fact that he cuts in to deliver crosses could leave right backs wrong footed.

6. Right Winger: Luis Nani :

Nani and Valencia will be rotated along the years. Nani will however start because of the fact that he is younger than Valencia. He can only get better and better over the years. His ability of providing assists will be key to the side. He will approach the 30s but will improve the technical sides of his game.

7. Centre Midfield:Tom Cleverley:

Cleverley will be expected to take over from Paul Scholes.

We all know Sir Alex likes midfielders who can attack as well as defend. Regarded as the natural heir to Paul Scholes, Cleverley is a box to box midfielder.  He is capable of stringing together passes, injecting pace into Man United’s midfield. He also makes good runs into the box and could be the solution to Man United’s ageing midfield.

8. Centre Midfield: Michael Carrick:

One would question Michael Carrick’s role in the future of Manchester United. He would be 35 five years from now and certainly age wears down players. But Carrick is crucial. He will play the role of the midfield maestro, spreading the ball, winning back balls etc. He has matured immensely and has made close to 2000 passes this season. Man United will have the right mix of youth and experience with Cleverley and Carrick operating in midfield.

9. Left Winger : Ashley Young :

Ashley Young has had a good first season at Manchester United. His ability to cut in and deliver crosses has been utilized very well on the left side. If he manages to keep his feet on the ground, Young should make it to the starting line up comfortably.

10. Striker : Wayne Rooney ( Captain) :

Wayne Rooney will have his eyes set on Bobby Charlton's goal scoring record.

Wayne Rooney recently overtook Dennis Viollet and George Best in the all time list Of Manchester United top scorers. Wayne Rooney is captain material. He stamps his authority on the field and can work with a variety of situations. Wayne Rooney will be in his early 30s and will be very close to Bobby Charlton’s record .

11.Striker: Danny Welbeck 

Danny Welbeck has been a brilliant all season for Manchester United. After gaining experience from his loan spell at Sunderland, Welbeck has fended off competition from Hernandez and Berbatov to start alongside Rooney. He will face more competition in the future from Hernandez and Will Keane but will still start.

Substitutes :

Will Keane represents another generation of deadly Manchester United strikers.

 

1. Anders Lindegaard

2. Ezekiel Fryers

3. Nemanja Vidic

4. Antonio Valencia

5.Anderson

6. Will Keane

7. Javier Hernandez

Manager: Sir Alex Ferguson :

Retirement? Football bloody hell.

Sir Alex will still hold the managerial position in five years time though he said he would retire in three, simply because we have not seen any signs of him slowing down. The thought of him retiring after 25 years is revolting and another five years is quite a possibility. He has built three generations of successful teams. Expect the next one to be as successful as the previous, if not more.

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