Manchester United Squad Ratings 2012-13 (www.mirror.co.uk)

Manchester United Champions: Season player ratings for the 2012-13 Premier League winners

David De Gea:
Appearances: 26
Goals: 0

Grown in stature this season and established himself as United's first-choice goalkeeper after a difficult first campaign in England. Has more confidence and command of his penalty area and is arguably the best shot-stopper in the Premier league. 9

 
Anders Lindegaard:
Appearances: 8
Goals: 0

De Gea's consistency kept him on the bench for much of the season. When he did figure he wasn't convincing, keeping just one clean sheet in eight Premier League appearances. Said he didn't join United to pick his nose, so likely to move on this summer to play more regularly. 5

 
Rafael:
Appearances: 26
Goals: 3

Arguably United's most improved player this season. Has added more discipline to his defending but not at the expense of his natural attacking instincts, which have seen him plunder three goals this term, two of them majestic long-range strikes, at Liverpool and QPR. 8

 
Rio Ferdinand:
Appearances: 25
Goals: 0

Has been United's most reliable centre-back this season in terms of appearances and performance level, unthinkable a couple of years ago when his career was in jeopardy with a chronic back problem. Set to sign a one-year contract extension for next season, a measure of his enduring value. 9

Rio Ferdinand: United's most reliable centre-back

Nemanja Vidic:
Appearances: 17
Goals: 1

United's skipper was dogged by problems with the knee injury that saw him miss five months of last season, undergoing a second operation in September that ruled him out for two months. Still imperious on his day, but struggles to play a succession of matches. 7



Jonny Evans:
Appearances: 20
Goals: 3

Continued to mature in his fifth season at United and added goals to his game this  term, finding the net three times. Became Ferdinand's defensive partner when Vidic, Smalling and Jones were out and proved as reliable as ever. 8

 
Patrice Evra:
Appearances: 31
Goals: 4

A vast improvement on last season, when he was suspect defensively and cost United in several key games, particularly towards the end of the season. Like Evans, has added goals to his game and performed with greater diligence and consistency at left-back. 8

 
Phil Jones:
Appearances: 13
Goals: 0

A back problem and a knee operation meant Jones did not make his first Premier League appearance of the season until late November. Suffered another injury in mid-February which kept him out until early April, in a season plagued by such problems. 6

 
Chris Smalling:
Appearances: 15
Goals: 0

Like Jones, did not make his first Premier League appearance until November, a broken metatarsal keeping him out of the first third of the domestic campaign. Played with diligence and assurance on his return, showing his versatility once again by playing right-back and central defence. 6

 
Alexander Buttner:
Appearances: 3
Goals: 1

Bought as back-up for Evra, the spirited and committed Dutchman looked vulnerable at times during his three Premier League appearances, although he did get on the scoresheet in a 4-0 win over Wigan early in the season.3

 
Michael Carrick:
Appearances: 33
Goals: 1
Under-appreciated and under-valued no more. Carrick has emerged as a midfielder of distinction, his calmness, authority, vision and range of passing marking him out as United's key man in the middle. Just needs to add more goals. Deservedly made PFA Player of the Year shortlist. 10

Michael Carrick: United's key man in the middle

Tom Cleverley:
Appearances: 20
Goals: 2

His mobility, industry and energy have given United an extra dimension in midfield, with Cleverley also having emerged this season as a regular for England. Scored his first Premier League goal for United, a superb angled curling 35-yard strike, in a 3-0 win at Newcastle. 7


Ryan Giggs:
Appearances: 22
Goals: 3

What more can be said about the United legend? Continued his run of scoring in 23 consecutive seasons in the league with his goal against Everton in February. Although used sparingly now, he can still have a major say in games. Will play on next season, when he turns 40. 7


Paul Scholes:
Appearances: 14
Goals: 1
Came out of retirement midway through last term but this campaign has looked a season too far for the United legend as injuries have taken their toll on him and restricted his appearances. Almost certain to call it quits for a second time at the end of this season. 6


Anderson:
Appearances: 13
Goals: 1

Another disappointing season from a player who will surely be on his way this summer. Injuries, fitness issues and a questionable attitude have blighted him throughout his six-year United career. Has so much talent and potential but has never managed to fulfill it. 5


Antonio Valencia: 26
Appearances:
Goals: 1
Voted United's player of the season last year by team-mates and fans, Valencia's form and confidence has deserted him this season. He managed four goals and 14 assists in the Premier League last season. Just one goal and three assists this season shows his regression. 5


 
Nani:
Appearances: 10
Goals: 1

Another player who has gone backwards this season. Having managed 30 assists and 17 goals in his last two Premier League seasons, a solitary goal and three assists shows the extent of his decline. Likely to be sold this summer after six years at Old Trafford. 5


 
Ashley Young:
Appearances: 19
Goals: 0

Like fellow wide men Valencia and Nani, a disappointing campaign. Failed to scored a single Premier League goal and made just five, a poor return for a player with his pace and crossing ability. Ruled out for last five games of season, compounding a poor campaign. 5



Shinji Kagawa:
Appearances: 18
Goals: 5

Made a bright start to his United career but injury ruled him out for November and December. Returned to show how effective he can be, scoring a hat-trick against Norwich and setting up both goals in a 2-2 draw at West Ham. Big things expected of him next season. 7

Shinji Kagawa: Big things expected next season

Darren Fletcher:
Appearances: 3
Goals: 1

Fletcher had made just three Premier League appearances when his season was cut short prematurely for the second season running by the ulcerative colitis condition which has left a huge question mark over whether he will ever play again. 4


Nick Powell:
Appearances: 2
Goals: 1

Came on as a sub and scored a cracker on his debut for United in a 4-0 win over Wigan early in the season and made just one further appearance from the bench, against QPR in November. A big talent with a bright future. 4 


Wayne Rooney:
Appearances: 25
Goals: 12

A difficult season for the striker, with injury, illness and fitness issues blighting his campaign. A return of 12 goals and nine assists in the Premier League is by by no means poor, but he has not looked sharp at all this season and his future beyond this season remains unclear. 7


Robin van Persie:
Appearances: 34
Goals: 24

Vying with Carrick, for United's player of the season award, his goals in the first half of the season gave United the platform for their title win. Has added an extra dimension to United's attack and has proved the difference in the title race. Signing him was a masterstroke by Ferguson. 10

Robin Van Persie: Added an extra dimension to United's attack

 Javier Hernandez:
Appearances: 18
Goals: 8

He is frustrated at his lack of starts, but continues to score crucial goals, notably the winner in a 3-2 victory at Chelsea and a 90th-minute winner in a 4-3 thriller against Newcastle on Boxing Day. At his best as an impact player coming off the bench. 7


Danny Welbeck:
Appearances: 25
Goals: 1

With 25 Premier League appearances this season - albeit 13 of them as a sub - his solitary goal, scored against Stoke in October, is a poor return for a striker. Has great feet and pace, which stretches opposing defences, but needs to add more goals to his game. 6


Manager: Sir Alex Ferguson.

Declared in pre-season that his priority was to win the title back after losing it in such agonising fashion last season and was true to his word. Has not lost his passion, desire or ability to motivate, even at 71, and looks set to carry on for a few more years, having landed his 13th Premier League title. 10



source: http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/manchester-united-champions-season-player-1847540