These are unfamiliar and uncomfortable
times at Old Trafford. Manchester United were a bastion of
invincibility under Sir Alex Ferguson, but now they look vulnerable to
anyone and everyone.
The
2-1 defeat at Sunderland on Tuesday night in the semi-finals of the
Capital One Cup was their third in a week, the first time this has
happened since April 1992.
Even
David Moyes acknowledged the historic nature of their slump, saying
afterwards: 'This hasn't happened at Manchester United for a long time.'
But the blame for their abysmal first half of the season doesn't fall entirely on Moyes.
Players who were crowned champions of
England just eight months ago are playing so far beneath themselves as
to be unrecognisable.
With
United seventh in the Barclays Premier League, out of the FA Cup and
facing elimination from the League Cup, Sportsmail rates each member of
the squad on their performances this season.
GOALKEEPERS
David de Gea
An
ever-present in United's league and European matches, De Gea has
arguably been United's most consistent performer and is well on his way
to realising his potential of being a world class goalkeeper.
At
times last season, the young Spaniard looked incapable of coping with
the physical nature of the Premier League and had an alarming tendency
to be bullied at corners. But he's bulked up, settled in and is now
among the best goalkeepers in Europe with his reflexes and
shot-stopping.
The fact
he's kept only five clean sheets in 20 league matches probably says more
for United's weak defence than De Gea's shortcomings.
Rating: 8/10
Anders Lindegaard
The Dane seems content to serve as understudy to De Gea and take his occasional opportunity in the cup competitions.
He's
played just two matches - against Norwich in the Capital One Cup and
Swansea in the FA Cup - and is unlikely to unseat De Gea anytime soon.
A
lifelong United fan, he's become a bullish and defiant company man.
After the defeat by Swansea, he said: 'We are in the middle of the
transition. I am sure when the transition is fulfilled we will be as
successful as we have ever been.' On the current evidence, that's hard to believe.
Rating: 5/10
DEFENDERS
Nemanja Vidic
He's
been the cornerstone of United's defence for eight years, but it looks
like the beginning of the end for the much-admired Vidic.
There's
no denying that United's back four look much stronger when their
Serbian captain is available but, unfortunately for David Moyes,
persistent and niggling injuries mean this is not guaranteed week-in
week-out.
Moyes also seems
to have as much faith in the less experienced Jonny Evans, Chris
Smalling and Phil Jones in the defence, leaving Vidic fightng for his
place.
At 32, United are
unlikely to offer Vidic a contract extension beyond another season and a
number of clubs are interested in taking him for free at the end of the
season when his current deal expires.
Vidic
has been an integral part of United's success during his time at the
club but it looks like the end for him. And it looks like being a
disappointing note to finish on too.
Rating: 7/10
Rafael da Silva
The
Brazilian's chances of impressing David Moyes suffered a blow when he
missed the start of the season with a hamstring injury sustained in the
Community Shield, but Moyes has since started him on 14 occasions and
clearly regards him as a very capable right-back.
In
contrast to brother Fabio, Rafael seems content with life at Old
Trafford and looks likely to be the first choice for many years to come
if he continues to fine-tune the defensive and attacking aspects of his
game.
Rating: 7/10
Fabio da Silva
By contrast, Fabio looks ill at ease with the Old Trafford stage.
Starved of chances in the starting line-up, he was brought on in the final stages against Swansea on Sunday - only to lose his head and be sent off for a very reckless challenge.
He was therefore largely to blame for United's FA Cup exit and though he is technically sound, he seems to lack the maturity to suceed at Old Trafford.
Another loan move, or even a permanent transfer away, seems likely.
Rating: 4/10
Patrice Evra
Like Vidic, it looks like the final chapter at United for Evra - another fantastic servant who has been on top of his game for a number of years and very successful.
He remains the undisputed first-choice left-back but rumours abound that United are searching for replacements with Leighton Baines, Fabio Coentrao, Marcelo or Luke Shaw on the radar.
The Frenchman is the same age as Vidic and a contract extension beyond one more season looks increasingly unlikely.
United need to replace Evra with someone of similar class but with an undiminished attacking instinct and reliable crossing ability.
Rating: 6/10
Phil Jones
The versatile Jones continues to be tipped for big things at United, with some predicting he will one day captain the side.
David Moyes seems to share this view and has started him this season at centre-half, right-back and as a defensive midfielder.
Still only 21, Jones has time on his side as he aims to develop into either a commanding centre-back or the perfect defensive midfield 'spoiler' to cut off the supply lines.
Like all of United's defenders, he must take some of the blame for some of the goals conceded this season and he must step up to be the man marshalling the back line.
Rating: 6/10
Rio Ferdinand
Plagued by niggling back and muscle injuries, Ferdinand is likely to be another of those cleared out in the summer.
At 35, he's done everything in the game and won all the major club honours but retirement is surely very close.
He was a mainstay of the defence early on in the season and didn't cover himself in glory during the losses to Liverpool, Manchester City and West Brom.
Then the injury curse struck again and appearances have been more sporadic - and mainly in Europe where his vast experience helped United through the group stage in style.
Rio's contribution at United has been immense, but with the body slowly failing him, it's time to wave goodbye.
Rating: 5/10
Chris Smalling
Coming into the team following Ferdinand's injury, Smalling has not made the impression he might have hoped.
While some aspects of his defending have improved, he seems to struggle with positional awareness and is at fault for a good number of goals.
For example, he was nowhere near Wilfried Bony as he headed in the winner in the Cup third round on Sunday, having been moved across from right-back following Fabio's introduction.
Moyes clearly appreciates his versatility to play across the back line, but he needs to keep up with the game.
Rating: 3/10
Jonny Evans
A regular starter this season but all-too-often culpable for goals conceded.
With Vidic and Ferdinand regularly out injured, Smalling flitting between right-back and centre-back, and Jones only occasionally alongside him, Evans has been unable to forge a consistent and solid defensive partnership.
Evans is now 26 and is tying down a regular spot, but he needs to iron out some of the faults in his game to reach the same class as Vidic or Ferdinand in their pomp.
Rating: 4/10
Alexander Buttner
With Evra in front of him, chances have been few and far between for Buttner, who had shown signs of promise last season.
This rustiness showed in the defeat by Swansea, his sixth start of the season, when his crossing was sub-standard to say the least.
If the Dutchman is to emerge as the successor to Evra, he needs to improve this aspect of his game very quickly, given the long-standing importance of marauding wing-backs.
Rating: 3/10
Michael Carrick
Outstanding in the title-winning side last season, Carrick hasn't been quite as effective this season though he's been unlucky with injuries.
A niggling Achilles tendon problem ruled him out for six weeks and United have missed his presence and assured passing.
If United are to salvage anything from this season, Carrick will be an essential component and if he can rediscover the consistency he found last term, they stand a chance of making the top four.
Rating: 5/10
Tom Cleverley
Cleverley was the architect of United's downfall at Sunderland, conceding what proved to be the match-defining penalty, and what should have been a real breakthrough season has fallen flat.
Moyes has given him plenty of game time and there have been occasional decent performances, but the harsh fact is that Cleverley would not have got anywhere near any of Ferguson's great teams.
We don't rave about him in the way we should and he doesn't influence games in the way we hope. Improvement needed.
Rating: 4/10
Darren Fletcher
Fletcher's return from his long absence is well-timed for Moyes, who has been let down by too many of his key midfielders.
His return should boost the work ethic of the midfield and add some of the poise and solidity that has been sorely lacking.
Rating: 6/10
Anderson
Assessing exactly what Anderson has contributed this season is a very difficult task.
To think that he cost in excess of £20million, the Brazilian has fallen well short of his potential at Old Trafford and he should be shipped off at the earliest opportunity.
Well down the midfield pecking order, having started just three matches this season, there seems no point in him hanging around much longer.
Rating: 1/10
Marouane Fellaini
When Fellaini moved to United at literally the eleventh hour on deadline day, it smacked of desperation and that assessment has been proved painfully correct.
The Belgian has been so underwhelming that many United fans openly celebrated when he injured his wrist, ruling him out for two months.
When he returns, he needs to shape up from the languid, disinterested and woefully off-the-pace player he was earlier in the season and start justifying the ridiculous £27.5million price tag.
Champions League-chasing Everton must be laughing all the way to the bank.
Rating: 1/10
Shinji Kagawa
Poor Kagawa's dream move to United has turned very sour. Billed as a man who could provide defence-splitting passes to order, he has toiled this season to little reward.
Moyes plays him sparingly, usually throwing him on from the bench, but it's hard to recall a match in which he's made much difference.
Should probably try and engineer a move away from Manchester to prevent his career sliding down the drain.
Rating: 2/10
Nani
A frustrating campaign again for Nani, who must rank among one of the most infuriating United players of recent times.
Often so inconsistent with his crossing and unlikely to contribute a goal, Nani rarely completes a full match these days and is usually hooked off after an hour or so.
Now 27, his future probably lies away from Old Trafford and given his increasing susceptibility to injury, the club would be wise to get rid of him either this month or in the summer.
Rating: 2/10
By contrast, Fabio looks ill at ease with the Old Trafford stage.
Starved of chances in the starting line-up, he was brought on in the final stages against Swansea on Sunday - only to lose his head and be sent off for a very reckless challenge.
He was therefore largely to blame for United's FA Cup exit and though he is technically sound, he seems to lack the maturity to suceed at Old Trafford.
Another loan move, or even a permanent transfer away, seems likely.
Rating: 4/10
Patrice Evra
Like Vidic, it looks like the final chapter at United for Evra - another fantastic servant who has been on top of his game for a number of years and very successful.
He remains the undisputed first-choice left-back but rumours abound that United are searching for replacements with Leighton Baines, Fabio Coentrao, Marcelo or Luke Shaw on the radar.
The Frenchman is the same age as Vidic and a contract extension beyond one more season looks increasingly unlikely.
United need to replace Evra with someone of similar class but with an undiminished attacking instinct and reliable crossing ability.
Rating: 6/10
Phil Jones
The versatile Jones continues to be tipped for big things at United, with some predicting he will one day captain the side.
David Moyes seems to share this view and has started him this season at centre-half, right-back and as a defensive midfielder.
Still only 21, Jones has time on his side as he aims to develop into either a commanding centre-back or the perfect defensive midfield 'spoiler' to cut off the supply lines.
Like all of United's defenders, he must take some of the blame for some of the goals conceded this season and he must step up to be the man marshalling the back line.
Rating: 6/10
Rio Ferdinand
Plagued by niggling back and muscle injuries, Ferdinand is likely to be another of those cleared out in the summer.
At 35, he's done everything in the game and won all the major club honours but retirement is surely very close.
He was a mainstay of the defence early on in the season and didn't cover himself in glory during the losses to Liverpool, Manchester City and West Brom.
Then the injury curse struck again and appearances have been more sporadic - and mainly in Europe where his vast experience helped United through the group stage in style.
Rio's contribution at United has been immense, but with the body slowly failing him, it's time to wave goodbye.
Rating: 5/10
Chris Smalling
Coming into the team following Ferdinand's injury, Smalling has not made the impression he might have hoped.
While some aspects of his defending have improved, he seems to struggle with positional awareness and is at fault for a good number of goals.
For example, he was nowhere near Wilfried Bony as he headed in the winner in the Cup third round on Sunday, having been moved across from right-back following Fabio's introduction.
Moyes clearly appreciates his versatility to play across the back line, but he needs to keep up with the game.
Rating: 3/10
Jonny Evans
A regular starter this season but all-too-often culpable for goals conceded.
With Vidic and Ferdinand regularly out injured, Smalling flitting between right-back and centre-back, and Jones only occasionally alongside him, Evans has been unable to forge a consistent and solid defensive partnership.
Evans is now 26 and is tying down a regular spot, but he needs to iron out some of the faults in his game to reach the same class as Vidic or Ferdinand in their pomp.
Rating: 4/10
Alexander Buttner
With Evra in front of him, chances have been few and far between for Buttner, who had shown signs of promise last season.
This rustiness showed in the defeat by Swansea, his sixth start of the season, when his crossing was sub-standard to say the least.
If the Dutchman is to emerge as the successor to Evra, he needs to improve this aspect of his game very quickly, given the long-standing importance of marauding wing-backs.
Rating: 3/10
MIDFIELDERS
Michael Carrick
Outstanding in the title-winning side last season, Carrick hasn't been quite as effective this season though he's been unlucky with injuries.
A niggling Achilles tendon problem ruled him out for six weeks and United have missed his presence and assured passing.
If United are to salvage anything from this season, Carrick will be an essential component and if he can rediscover the consistency he found last term, they stand a chance of making the top four.
Rating: 5/10
Tom Cleverley
Cleverley was the architect of United's downfall at Sunderland, conceding what proved to be the match-defining penalty, and what should have been a real breakthrough season has fallen flat.
Moyes has given him plenty of game time and there have been occasional decent performances, but the harsh fact is that Cleverley would not have got anywhere near any of Ferguson's great teams.
We don't rave about him in the way we should and he doesn't influence games in the way we hope. Improvement needed.
Rating: 4/10
Darren Fletcher
Fletcher's return from his long absence is well-timed for Moyes, who has been let down by too many of his key midfielders.
His return should boost the work ethic of the midfield and add some of the poise and solidity that has been sorely lacking.
Rating: 6/10
Anderson
Assessing exactly what Anderson has contributed this season is a very difficult task.
To think that he cost in excess of £20million, the Brazilian has fallen well short of his potential at Old Trafford and he should be shipped off at the earliest opportunity.
Well down the midfield pecking order, having started just three matches this season, there seems no point in him hanging around much longer.
Rating: 1/10
Marouane Fellaini
When Fellaini moved to United at literally the eleventh hour on deadline day, it smacked of desperation and that assessment has been proved painfully correct.
The Belgian has been so underwhelming that many United fans openly celebrated when he injured his wrist, ruling him out for two months.
When he returns, he needs to shape up from the languid, disinterested and woefully off-the-pace player he was earlier in the season and start justifying the ridiculous £27.5million price tag.
Champions League-chasing Everton must be laughing all the way to the bank.
Rating: 1/10
Shinji Kagawa
Poor Kagawa's dream move to United has turned very sour. Billed as a man who could provide defence-splitting passes to order, he has toiled this season to little reward.
Moyes plays him sparingly, usually throwing him on from the bench, but it's hard to recall a match in which he's made much difference.
Should probably try and engineer a move away from Manchester to prevent his career sliding down the drain.
Rating: 2/10
Nani
A frustrating campaign again for Nani, who must rank among one of the most infuriating United players of recent times.
Often so inconsistent with his crossing and unlikely to contribute a goal, Nani rarely completes a full match these days and is usually hooked off after an hour or so.
Now 27, his future probably lies away from Old Trafford and given his increasing susceptibility to injury, the club would be wise to get rid of him either this month or in the summer.
Rating: 2/10
Ashley Young
Another
United winger with unfulfilled potential, Young is also set for a spell
on the sidelines after injuring his shoulder in a collision with
Tottenham's Hugo Lloris.
Like
Nani, he rarely completes a full game and has contributed just one
assist in the league this season - a paltry return that should be
better.
Rating: 2/10
source: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2535731/Moyes-copping-flak-lazy-stars-blame-too.html
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