Manchester United: The final success of a dynasty

Michael Carrick of Manchester United is presented with the Players’ Player of the Year by Sir Alex Ferguson at the club’s annual Player of the Year awards

David De Gea emerged from early season shakiness and competition from Anders Lindegaard to finish the season strongly and there is now little doubt that he has earned the number 1 shirt. Robin Van Persie’s goals were extremely vital whereas Rio Ferdinand and Rafael were both particularly impressive at the back.Michael Carrick wins this award for his strong displays in midfield, adept at passing the ball and providing a solid presence defensively, he has silenced long-standing calls for Ferguson to sign midfield reinforcements. He made a mammoth 46 appearances in which he consistently cut an assured, calm figure to help the likes of Tom Cleverley progress alongside of him.

Long-awaited England call-ups have also been on the agenda as, at the age of 31, his quality is finally being appreciated.

Flop of the season

Anderson once again struggled to justify his £17 million price tag in midfield whilst Wayne Rooney’s worth to the squad was evidently in decline as Ferguson omitted him from the side that lost to Madrid. 12 goals and 10 assists was a fine return, though one cannot escape his apparent unhappiness at Old Trafford where nobody is particularly sure of his best position despite his age of 27.

It wasn’t however, a good season for wide players. Nani’s future is in doubt as he remains dreadfully inconsistent on the flanks, though he was trusted with the gargantuan match with Madrid where his chronic misfortune conspired to see him pivotally dismissed. Ashley Young meanwhile, had to settle for a peripheral role as injuries curtailed a promising first year.

Luis Valencia is the recipient of this award however, failing to build on his Player of the Year debut to become a winger who seems unable to cross or do anything of note in the final third. Still a hard-working, diligent cog of United’s system, he will have to improve his contribution on the ball if he is to keep his place under Moyes.

Final grade- A

The clear objective of winning the Premier League title was achieved emphatically but Ferguson, especially in his bow-out year, would have wanted better performances in the domestic cups and in Europe, where they went out controversially.

The old experienced heads of Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra, Carrick and co. have helped the younger generation of Jones, Cleverley, Welbeck etc. to a league medal and Ferguson leaves behind a well-equipped squad which, under the right guidance, can build another era of success.