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The pre-season friendlies have begun after the FIFA World Cup in Russia came to a close in stunning fashion. The club season will commence soon and the different Manchester United players with a point to prove will have the opportunity to do just that on their preseason tour in the USA. With a lot of their players taking a break after the World Cup, it affords them the opportunity of a close-up look from their Manager. Here are the five players with a point to prove to Jose Mourinho
#1 Eric Bailly
Considered to be the best defender the club currently has in their ranks, he still has a rough edge to his game and he'll have to work on it before he can truly become a club great and a world-class player. It is what United do, they mould world class players. Bailly has all the makings of being a top defender but niggling injuries have disrupted his playtime and his performance level has subsequently dropped.
With those injuries behind him and a full pre-season to work with, he can put extra work to regain his spot as the club’s finest brick wall. If his injury susceptibility is reduced, then he will of great importance to United’s campaign starting from the preseason.
#2 Alexis Sanchez
So much was expected of the Chilean when he put pen to paper in January. The superstar signing was a statement of intent by the club in a bid to overthrow neighbours and perennial contenders Manchester City. However, Sanchez didn’t quite light up Old Trafford as expected.
Despite being afforded to play in his preferred position in the front line, he was a peripheral figure, much to the disappointment of the fans. Much to the detriment of Martial, he was afforded too much time to settle into the team which didn’t totally come to fruition. Mid-season change of club and environment can be tough on players and that must have played a part as he was especially expected to contribute immensely to United’s course in the Champions league last term after conceding defeat in the title race. He has been given the chance but he should be aware that more will be demanded from him because he plays for a club of United’s standard.
Work starts in earnest during the pre-season if he doesn’t want to fall victim to the no.7 curse.
#3 Anthony Martial
Often a subject of transfer speculations, Martial has been linked with several clubs over the last year and it has not stopped yet. Having lost his place in the team to Alexis Sanchez, just on the back of apparently convincing Mourinho that he is better than Rashford for that same position, the exit door looms for the Frenchman.
Lack of playing time in the second half of last season has seen his agent open the door for a potential exit but United won’t let go easily considering the amount spent on him and it is a club where youngsters flourish. The pre-season is here again and despite Sanchez’s presence too, he has the chance to give his manager a necessary headache ahead of the upcoming season.
The promise he showed in that match against Liverpool is still very much intact. The young man has burgeoning talent waiting to be unlocked; perhaps a shift in formation will see him contribute more to the team. Either way, USA is where the decision will be made on him.
#4 Luke Shaw
The 2014/15 campaign was the season of what could have been for Luke Shaw. A bright tsart to the season saw many brand him as the best young left back in the world and it is safe to say that for a left full-back, he was the best player in the team before tradgedy struck in that memorable fixture against PSV. He never recovered and his attitude has been poor in play according to his coach, who has often made him a subject of attack.
This pre-season gives him the best opportunity to regain his spot after losing it to 32-year old Ashley Young. Young, who is currently playing in the same spot for his country in Russia. He can be assured of being afforded a run run of games to win over his coach. He will do well to seize the opportunity if he will ever repay the trust the club has in him.
#5 Andreas Perreira
Maybe Spanish football favours him more evidenced by the fact that he has had excellent spells on loan, first at Granada and later for Valencia across two seasons. He had a major impact for both clubs when he was there but Manchester United is his dream. He has flair which is common with Brazilians. He is adamant to succeed at United as he has not given up hope on a successful career.
McTominay took his place last season after his departure as he wasn’t convinced that he will be given much playing time. Capable of playing anywhere in the middle and the left side of the frontline, his versatility might finally be his undoing. His task of playing for the team has arguably become even tougher after the club confirmed the signing of Brazil’s Fred. He is a fan favourite and he needs to totally convince the gaffer this pre-season period if he is to force his way into the club’s already populated midfield.
