End of Term Report...Part I

Van der saar. 8.5

A near flawless
campaign from one of our most consistent and by far our most underrated player.
Although the name Van der saar was not associated with the dizzying 14-games-in-a-row-without-conceding
euphoria of last season, he has still managed to get on with his game, keep out
the prosperous likes of Foster and Kuszczak, and even produced some wonder saves
from Muamba away to Bolton and on the final game against Stoke to keep
some crucial clean-sheets.

Rafael. 7

An important season
for the young Brazilian. While he has continued to improve and in turn feature
more and more in Sir Alex’s plans, he has also shown a few signs of inevitable immaturity.
His sending off at home to Munich in the Champions League Semi-Final second leg – arguably our most
important game of the season – was foolish and potentially costly. Still, no
one can deny his contribution (especially when coming forward, where he excels
most); and I’m not sure about anyone else, but on the basis of what we have
seen already, I am more than confident of him being the taking over our
captains position in the long term.

Gary Neville. 7

At times instrumental
and a pivotal feature; but then also at times, his age and ailing joints prove
all too slow and immobile for this modern game. And I think that just about
sums up his season.

Evans. 7

Just like Rafael, it
was an important season for this improving and maturing youngster. He got a bit
of stick from his boss during the Champions League quarter final in Milan, as his lack of experience became evident. But
generally speaking, I think few United fans would have any complaints about his
form and ability to step during a season when our first choice centre backs
have been sidelined for great periods of time. The more he plays and picks up
while playing amongst our formidable defence; it is only a matter of time
before he becomes a regular.

Vidic. 7.5

Our best player last
season, however nowhere near as solid, consistent or as instrumental as in
previous campaigns. Injuries have kept him out, but there have also been
off-field distractions linking him to a move with Barca that haven’t helped. Either
way, there is absolutely no doubting that on his day, he is the best, with his
performances in the final few games highlighting his rock-like nature fully.

Ferdinand. 6.5

An injury stung season
from one of my favourite players; a player who’s sterling form was easily as
important to our success as Ronaldo and his 42 goals were in the triumphant
2007/08 season. Just like Vidic, Rio is too one
of the best centre-backs on his day; however unfortunately for the 31 year old
– and United – you feel that his best days are all but over. The home game
against City and the blunder that let Bellamy through to make it 3-3 in the 90th minute was possibly the first sign and most significant example of his reducing
ability.

Evra. 9.5

An outstanding, near-perfect
season for the full-back. Game after game, even when it would appear that the
dedication and energy of the others around him are waning, Pat’s desire to win
is always relentless. As a defender and a wing-back, he has outclassed the lot
this season.

Valencia. 9

Along with Evra and,
of course, Wayne Rooney, Valencia has been our most consistent and reliable
performer. However unlike the other two, Antonio had the unsavoury task of
replacing the best player in the world. As Ferguson’s line-up reverted to an old school 4-4-2, the out and out winger slotted in
beautifully. And as the season went on, his crossing ability was as finely tuned
as his control and blistering, defence splitting pace. His numerous assists
were also complemented by 7 goals, including our goal of the season at
home to Wolves.