Player review: Rafael

It’s sometimes easy to forget Rafael is still a teenager... like when he more than held his own against Ronaldinho in the San Siro, or shackled Franck Ribery and terrorised the Bayern Munich left side at Old Trafford.

Story of the season: Like so many other Reds defenders, Rafael's season was blighted by injuries. Shoulder trouble in pre-season meant his first appearance of 2009/10 only came in late October, and that was in the centre of midfield at Barnsley. Sporadic outings at right back followed but by Christmas the young Brazilian had only chalked up five appearances. He'd go on to make 11 more before the season's end, but an ankle injury sustained in the Carling Cup final limited him to just two starts from March onwards.

Finest moment: He netted United's third in a 5-0 home win over Wigan, but it was his performances in Europe that really caught the eye. Thrust into action at the San Siro, and up against his countryman Ronaldinho, he passed the test with flying colours. In the next round he dazzled for 45 minutes in the home leg against Bayern Munich, keeping Franck Ribery quiet and injecting pace and invention to the Reds' forward forays.

What’s in store? Nobody would dare suggest he’s the finished article yet, but United fans have certainly seen enough to suggest he’s good enough to nail down the right-back spot on a permanent basis when Gary Neville hangs up his boots.

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Player review: Obertan

The Old Trafford faithful only saw glimpses of Gabriel Obertan during his first campaign as a United player. But in those 13 appearances, he showed plenty of promise...

Story of the season: After a back injury delayed his debut, Obertan first pulled on a Reds shirt in the Carling Cup fourth round tie at Barnsley. He impressed enough to be given a league debut (as a substitute) at Old Trafford four days later. The nerves that day got the better of him (he ran the ball out of play with his first touch before later spurning a glorious chance to score) but he soon settled and became a viable attacking option from the bench.

Finest moment: Away in Wolfsburg in the final Champions League group stage game, Obertan came off the bench to dazzle on the left wing. Indeed, Michael Owen owes the second of his three goals that night almost entirely to the Frenchman, who wriggled past two defenders before teeing up the striker with a precise pass across the six-yard box.

Strongest attribute: Dribbling. When Ronaldo left, fans feared all the skill and trickery had gone with him. What they didn't know then, however, was just how good Gabriel Obertan is with the ball at his feet. Confident, quick and direct, the former Bordeaux star will terrorise plenty of defenders in the coming years.

What's in store? Injuries hampered Obertan's first season at United, but he'll undoubtedly be given more chances to shine in 2010/11. At just 21 years of age, this young touchline sniffer certainly has the ability to forge a rich future at United

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Player review: Valencia

In his first term at OT, 'Tony' was a revelation on the wing vacated by Cristiano Ronaldo...

Story of the season

Far from being eased into life at United following his summer move from Wigan, Valencia was thrust into regular action from the off, and soon vindicated that decision with a string of confident and athletic displays. Assists from whipped-in crosses were his stock-in-trade – and manna from heaven for goal-fixated Wayne Rooney. Valencia weighed in with a few strikes of his own: a delightful effort against Bolton in October was the first of a mid-season cluster which culminated in the winger picking up back-to-back Player of the Month awards on ManUtd.com. He netted a late Champions League winner at CSKA Moscow and was also named Man of the Match in the Carling Cup final. Strength and stamina positioned Antonio as both a go-to man in attack and a useful ally in defence; for virtually all of the season he steered clear of injury to finish as one of the Reds’ top appearance-makers, and was deservedly named in the PFA Team of the Year.

Finest moment

In a perfect illustration of the winger’s art, Valencia destroyed his former club Wigan at Old Trafford in December. After setting up three of the Reds’ first four goals with a devastating combination of power, pace and skill, he rounded off a fine evening’s work by running onto Rooney’s defence-splitting pass to clip home the fifth.

What’s in store?
More of the same, especially after a refreshing, World Cup-free summer. Valencia is still only 24 and his improvement throughout the season was palpable, so expect him to get better still. He’s already more of a goal threat than in his time at Wigan, where he found the net only seven times in three years, and Sir Alex will doubtless challenge the Ecuadorian to increase his tally next term.

 

Player Review: Fletcher

Arguably the Scot’s best campaign in a red shirt – Fletcher has developed into the complete midfielder who possesses that unique knack of inspiring those around him...

Story of the season: The man for the big occasion proved time and again during 2009/10 that he can handle the pressure against the cream of England and Europe. His all-action display in the dramatic 4-3 derby victory in September yielded two fine headed goals and he netted one of the strikes of the season against Everton two months later. As well as popping up on the score-sheet, Fletcher, who found himself playing in defence during a torrid spell of injuries, turned creator on numerous occasions with some pinpoint deliveries into the area which were gladly snapped up by Rooney and co. One of United’s most consistent performers throughout the campaign, he oozed class and energy when the Reds needed it most.

Finest moment: Fletcher’s glorious opener in the 3-0 victory over Everton at Old Trafford was an easy choice for the Goal of the Season shortlist in United’s end-of-season awards. After Patrice Evra’s cross was nodded down by Valencia into Fletcher’s path on the edge of the area, the midfielder overcame the awkward height of the bouncing ball and sent a scorching volley thundering towards the top corner, kissing Tim Howard’s right-hand post on the way in. Stunning.

What’s in store? Only bigger and better things. Playing in a Champions League final is one of Darren’s major ambitions after missing out so cruelly through suspension in 2009 (he was an unused sub in Moscow in ‘08) – he certainly deserves the opportunity to perform on Europe’s biggest stage.

Player review: Evans

Evans made significant strides forward in his bid to command a regular starting berth at the heart of the United defence...

Story of the season: Jonny was thrown straight into action at the beginning featuring in all but one of United’s matches in August. His ability to adapt his game to complement the attributes of his fellow defenders was there for all to see in the opening month of the campaign as he found himself paired with four different team-mates – Ferdinand, O’Shea, Brown and Vidic - in the centre of defence. By mid-November Jonny had played more games than any of the team’s recognised centre-halves, but unfortunately he joined the long list of defensive casualties when he picked up a calf injury whilst on international duty. He returned at the beginning of 2010, starting United’s opening seven league games of the year. Ferdinand and Vidic were back in tandem for the majority of March and April, but Evans ably stepped in at Bolton and City to help the team earn two vital victories and a couple of clean-sheets.

Finest moment: The dramatic derby victory at Eastlands in April will forever be remembered for Paul Scholes’ late, late winner, but Evans’ flawless display alongside the colossal Nemanja Vidic was arguably his best of the season. He even had the audacity to execute one incredibly cool drag-back inside his own box to evade the menacing Carlos Tevez.

What’s in store? More of the same we hope. Ferdinand and Vidic remain Sir Alex’s first choice defensive duo, but the boss has great faith in Jonny and Wes Brown as an alternative pairing. “There aren't many better partnerships in the Premier League than Brown and Evans,” he declared last season. Evans will also be aiming to finally break his United duck.

Player review: O'Shea

An injury sustained on international duty restricted the usual ever-present John O'Shea to just 19 appearances in 2009/10.

Story of the season: The Irishman's season was all but over in November when he picked up a thigh problem in the Republic of Ireland's World Cup play-off defeat in France. At one stage it looked like he wouldn't play again in 2009/10. Sir Alex explained: “He's got a terrible injury. It's like a dead leg. The problem is that a blood clot has become knotted. It's a long process to clear up and he'll probably miss the season now. It's a bad blow for the boy." But the Carrington medical team worked wonders and O'Shea returned to action as a substitute in April’s 3-2 win over Bayern Munich. Four days later he started in the Reds' 0-0 draw at Blackburn.

Finest moment: The Irishman made his 350th United appearance one to remember when he helped to empty home fans’ seats by doubling United’s lead at the Britannia Stadium in September. O’Shea met Ryan Giggs’ in-swinging corner from the right with his head and flicked the ball into the top corner past a flailing Thomas Sorensen. Sadly, in a season blighted by injury, there weren't too many other opportunities for John to shine.

What’s in store? With his current contract running until 2012, O’Shea is very much part of United’s plans for the future. Expect him to be doing a job for the Reds in defence, midfield, attack or even in goal (he donned the gloves against Spurs in 2007).

Player review: Fabio

Injuries hampered Fabio's maiden campaign as a United player, and also disrupted long portions of his 2009/10 season. Nevertheless, a new contract illustrates his status as a bright hope for the future...

Story of the season: Although Fabio's season began in a perfect fashion, completing 90 minutes as a much-changed back four kept a valuable clean sheet against Birmingham City, the Brazilian's second term at United was another stop-start affair, disrupted by a string of minor knocks and strains. Aside from making his Premier League bow against Alex McLeish's Brum, Fabio made four further appearances as second half substitutes against Fulham (home and away), Wigan and Hull, and impressed in his Champions League debut in Moscow. The explosive full-back enjoyed mixed fortunes in cup ties against Leeds, Barnsley and Wolves, receiving a straight red card in the latter, but his campaign ended on a high when he extended his United contract until at least June 2014, prolonging what he sees as: "every young player's dream."

Finest moment: A string of solid displays yielded few glaring highlights, but Fabio saw the funny side of being booked for a foul by his twin brother during the Reds' win at Barnsley. Referee Chris Foy later transferred the booking to Rafael, after United appealed.

What's in store? Plenty. Providing he can stay fit, Fabio has shown himself to be a more than able deputy for Patrice Evra, one of the game's leading left-backs.

Player review: Welbeck

Danny Welbeck offered fans of two clubs more glimpses of his undoubted talent in a season curtailed by a late knee injury...

Story of the season: Danny got his personal campaign underway in the Carling Cup third-round tie against Wolves in September, and wasted little time opening his goal account, scoring the winner in the 1-0 win. A week and a half later he made his only league start of the season in the 2-2 draw at Sunderland. He followed that by coming off the bench against Bolton in the next league game, and 10 days later he was back in the Carling Cup starting line-up. The fourth-round opponents were Barnsley, and again Welbeck was on the scoresheet in a 2-0 win. Next came another little milestone in his fledgling career – his Champions League debut. Danny won’t remember it too fondly, though, as United lost 1-0 at home to Besiktas, surrendering a proud home record in the process. Further starts came against Tottenham in the Carling Cup, Wolfsburg in the Champions League and Leeds in the FA Cup, as well as a couple of Premier League appearances from the bench. After the arrival of Mame Biram Diouf in January, Sir Alex allowed Danny to become his son Darren’s first acquisition for Preston. The loan move went well, with Danny notching twice in his first three games, but a knee injury in March cut short the loan deal and Danny’s season.

Finest moment: The move that led to his goal against Wolves was a masterpiece of attacking precision. Michael Carrick laid the ball into Welbeck, whose touch off to Michael Owen was returned into his path for a crisp one-two. The young marksman made no mistake with the finish, rifling the ball past Marcus Hahnemann into the right corner of the net.

What’s in store? Possibly another loan spell at Preston, where Ferguson Jnr was mighty impressed with his youthful charge, but Danny has repeatedly expressed his desire to break into regular first-team action. Once recovered from his injury, an important pre-season awaits…

Player review: Scholes

He may doubt his ability to continue at the highest level, but no-one else does...

Story of the season: Paul Scholes has long been the United player that fans of other clubs most admire. That’s partly because of his low profile, and the way he seems to get on with the job before popping up with a crucial goal or key contribution just when you’d forgotten he was even in the team. The midfielder, who turned 35 last November, had to be ushered away from thoughts of retirement, having felt the physical strains of 15 years playing at the top level. Whatever the aches and pains he feels, though, no-one would doubt that this is a player who is still at the top of his game. His habit of bagging important goals has also not deserted him. His strikes against Besiktas, Wolves and City were all the only goals of the game, and his contributions against Milan in the San Siro and City in the Carling Cup were further proof that the big players come good on the big occasions. Penning another year's contract extension provided a silver lining to the season.

Finest moment: The late, late header against City at Eastlands is another truly magical moment in a career packed full of them. A past master at ghosting in unnoticed to get on the end of crosses, he couldn’t have picked a better time to resume that habit.

What’s in store? Paul Scholes could surely play for Manchester United as long as he wants to. His game is not based on pace or physical prowess, so Sir Alex will surely do everything he can to keep him playing for another season or two at least. He is the kind of player whose value is only truly realised when he’s no longer there. Let’s hope that day is still a good while away.

 

Player review: Nani

The Portuguese trickster finally came into his own in a red shirt last season...

Story of the season: Some Reds had been less than charitable in their appraisal of the Portuguese backflipper since his arrival at Old Trafford in 2007. The flashes of skill he had shown were too few and far between to justify his hefty transfer fee, they reasoned. But soon after the papers reported that he had angered Sir Alex after talking out of turn and was demanding to move during the transfer window, he hit a rich vein of form. His performances in the Carling Cup semi-final victory over City and the league win at Arsenal particularly caught the eye, and he continued to look like a potent attacking weapon for the Reds rather than the source of fan frustration. You get the feeling that this is a confidence player who will now go on to show what he is really made of.

Finest moment: Nani will be pleased to know that the Dubious Goals Panel has awarded him his effort at the Emirates against Arsenal. In a piece of individual brilliance, Nani’s jink between two defenders and effortless wrong-footing of another brought him face-to-face with Gunners keeper Manuel Almunia, allbeit at an impossibly acute angle. His exquisite lob, which Almunia could only palm into the net, would probably have gone in anyway, or if not been bundled over the line by the waiting Ji-sung Park.

What’s in store? He signed a new four-year deal at the end of March, and even if his stock rises further at the World Cup, it is unlikely that Sir Alex will let him go. Expect him to be an even more integral part of the manager's plans next season.

Player review: Carrick

Michael didn't reach his own high standards, but still showed his team value...

Story of the season The Reds' ever-changing midfield had Michael Carrick on his toes, even before December’s defensive injury crisis forced him into some unexpected moonlighting. Ultimately, he might consider this a frustrating campaign. He didn’t come racing out of the blocks, a slow start to the season capped with the disappointment of a missed penalty in the shock early defeat at Burnley. There were flashes of his undoubted class, but he didn’t consistently find the metronome rhythm that has made United’s midfield tick to his beat since arriving at OT in 2006. That said, his contribution to the team was still important. He covered valiantly during the defensive injury crisis. And the work done in December in particular was a vital part of why United were in contention for major honours in April and May - regardless of the outcome - and he bagged five goals in all competitions - only Paul Scholes scored more from a central midfield position.

Finest moment Against West Ham with some defensive reshuffling needed, Carrick replaced the injured Gary Neville in the first half and took up central defensive duties. The scores were locked at 0-0 at this point and it seemed like being a difficult afternoon at Upton Park. But Carrick performed like he’d played there all his life. United ended up winning 4-0, his contribution vital. He continued the role three days later in the 3-1 win away to Wolfsburg, earning him the moniker 'Carrickbauer' in reference to legendary German lynchpin Franz Beckenbauer.

What’s in store? His ability to control games, dictate the pace of play is a talent only the top midfielders possess. He has competition; Darren Fletcher is first-choice midfielder, Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes have vast experience, Owen Hargreaves will hopefully return, while Darron Gibson and Anderson have promise. But Carrick is rarely flustered, and he’ll enjoy the challenge of making the passer-in-chief job his own again next season.

Player review: Vidic

Injuries and transfer talk brushed aside by a strong season finish...

Story of the season “A lot of my injury problems stemmed from not having a full pre-season,” Nemanja said in April. “Instead I went straight into competitive games.” He was in and out of the team in the first half of the campaign – only Patrice Evra escaped unscathed from the injury curse that tore into the Reds’ rearguard in late 2009. Then a nerve problem in his right leg proved stubborn to overcome and disrupted his involvement at the start of 2010. Sorely missed, but gleefully welcomed back in February, his return was intrinsically linked to United’s New Year form. His presence at the heart of the back four brought a stability that had previously been frustratingly absent - by the end of April he’d played in only half of the Reds’ matches. Better late than never, though, his colossal displays highlighted his importance to the team.

Finest moment Vidic has become a cult figure at Old Trafford for his no-nonsense, all-action, physical approach. Rarely was that more evident than his towering display in the 4-0 win over Bolton at the Reebok Stadium in March. A straightforward win? Hardly. The Reds no.15 sent long ball after long ball back exactly where it came from - he even headed one cross, and with it Darren Fletcher, at one stage.

What’s in store? Press speculation continued to surround the Serbian and his future – with a move to Spain frequently mooted. But Vida insists he's happy at United. He can only presume the rumours surfaced because he was out of action for long periods, and were therefore difficult to bat down. He dealt with the transfer tittle-tattle like he does a pesky striker or constant opposition aerial bombardment; trademark short shrift. “I’ve never said I wanted to leave and the speculation has all been generated by other people,” he said. “I’ve never spoken with any other club. United is a great club, I’ve had a lot of success and made a name for myself. I appreciate that.” Here’s to plenty more blood, sweat - and for opposition strikers tears - from our Serbian hard man.

Player review: Park

Ji-sung Park proved again in 2009/10 that he's the man for the big occasion...

Story of the season Park’s first start came in the shock defeat at Burnley, before he suffered a knee injury in the 4-3 Manchester derby victory – just days after he’d signed a new three-year contract. The Korean spent the next two months in the treatment room and it was not until the latter half of the campaign that he came into his own. He reprised his 08/09 Champions League semi-final display at the Emirates by helping the Reds to another 3-1 victory over Arsenal in the league, then came two superb, destructive central-midfield performances against AC Milan, before his match-winning deeds against Liverpool (see below). An ankle injury disputed the end of his campaign, though he returned to net United's final goal of 09/10 against Stoke. And Sir Alex was fulsome in his praise of his no.13. “He’s one of these players that we can give roles to play and he does it because of his control and discipline,” said the Reds boss.

Finest moment Ji shone against Milan, but in the league it was the 'job' he did on our Merseyside rivals at Old Trafford, in his new advanced midfield role, that will live longest in the memory. Javier Mascherano was given no time on the ball and was kept busy tracking Park – only for the Korean to get on the end of a Darren Fletcher cross to seal victory. He was the star performer and deserved match-winner.

What’s in store? On the Korean’s current learning curve it surely won’t be long before he’s rivalling Wayne Rooney for the Golden Boot or taking over from Edwin van der Sar between the sticks. OK, so we exaggerate but there’s no doubt that Park continues to make huge strides each season. In fact, he’s fully expected to be a key player again in 2010/11 and beyond.

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Player review: Giggs

After dazzling in the centre of midfield in 2008/09, Ryan Giggs reverted to what he knows best last season: terrifying full-backs.

Story of the season Used primarily on the wing during 2009/10, Ryan continually demonstrated the value of experience. He was United's best player during September and remained one of the Reds' most consistent performers until February when, in a challenge with Steve Sidwell at Villa Park, he fractured his right arm and missed five weeks of football. The injury forced Giggs out of key European ties, as well as the Carling Cup final (he'd played a key role in nudging the Reds towards Wembley with a goal against Manchester City in the semi-final first leg), but he returned in late March to drive United's relentless (yet ultimately unsuccessful) bid for a fourth consecutive title.

Finest moment With the title very much in the balance when Tottenham came to OT in April, and top spot beckoning (albeit only temporarily), it was Giggs who stepped forward to assume penalty duties in Wayne Rooney's absence.

 

Despite never taking a spot-kick in 20 league seasons, he coolly despatched both attempts to earn three points and keep the Reds well and truly in the hunt for silverware. “His composure showed itself in those penalties,” Sir Alex said. “Experience gives you that.”

Greatest asset Ever seen Giggs flustered? Didn’t think so. When tackles are flying in from all angles or crowds are baying for blood, Giggsy invariably puts his foot on the ball, slows things down and plays a simple pass. Like fellow veteran Paul Scholes, he’s a master of dictating a game’s pace and picking the right moment to move in for the kill.

What’s in store? It’s incredible to think some United fans were calling for Ryan to retire back in 2002. Instead, he remains one of the first names on Sir Alex’s teamsheet. And thanks to a contract extension that will keep him at Old Trafford until at least summer 2011, United fans can continue to enjoy one of the most talented footballers to ever grace the English game.

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Player review: Rooney

2009/10 will be remembered as the season Wayne Rooney’s career went stratospheric.

Story of the season: Deployed in an advanced, central role (often on his own), Rooney’s focus for 09/10 shifted squarely towards finding the net. But any doubts over his ability to adapt to a role that asked him to curb his natural desire to chase the ball all over the pitch were erased as soon as the new season kicked off. He netted six goals in United’s first six league games, including strikes against Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City. But this wasn’t the streaky striker we’d seen before, a player who went on incredible scoring runs only to hit an extended dry patch. Rooney maintained his phenomenal record across the season, with scant regard for the opposition’s pedigree. Only an ankle injury picked up in the final game of March curbed his scoring… and impacted hugely on the Reds' trophy ambitions.

Finest moment: Always inspiring, Rooney’s talismanic qualities were perhaps most evident in January when Hull City came to Old Trafford. At a time when the media were heaping pressure on the Reds after defeats in cup competitions to Leeds United and Manchester City, Rooney ensured United’s league ambitions wouldn’t be dealt a similar blow by single-handedly destroying Hull with his first four-goal haul of his professional career. In United’s next league outing, at Arsenal, Rooney was inspirational again, turning in a performance Sir Alex described as “world class” and netting a stunning strike, later voted Goal of the Season.

What's in store: Where do you go after a season like 2009/10? Rooney’s individual accolades will only inspire him further. Next season he may well add the Ballon d’Or to the list. It’s certainly within his grasp.

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Player review: Berbatov

Berba continued to polarise opinion in the stands during 2009/10, despite his undeniable contribution to United’s quest for silverware…

Story of the season: He has had his critics since he swapped White Hart Lane for Old Trafford, but there is no denying the valuable contribution Dimitar Berbatov has made to the United cause over the last two campaigns, both as a scorer and creator of goals. He began five of the opening 10 games alongside Wayne Rooney last season, but Sir Alex’s decision to deploy a 4-5-1 formation, spearheaded by Rooney, in United’s most important clashes ultimately led to the Bulgarian playing a reduced role as the season progressed. Nevertheless, when called upon, the striker proved he was more than capable of leading the line himself with his performances at Wolves and Bolton, and at home to Tottenham catching the eye. Indeed, United’s 4-0 victory at the Reebok included Berba’s first double for the club (on the back of a Man of the Match display against Fulham), while it was his marauding run down the left wing that led to the opening goal in the crucial win over his former club in April. He fired a couple of exquisite strikes during the season, with his scissor-kick against Sunderland and shot on the turn against Blackburn both shortlisted for United’s Goal of the Season.

Finest moment: Facing his former club in the penultimate home match, Berbatov soared in the sunshine and dazzled Spurs into conceding the first of two penalties converted by Ryan Giggs. His performance was of the creative kind that persuaded Sir Alex to part with all that cash. And showing a more physical side, Berbatov made up for the easy ride given to Chelsea’s Alex and Terry by dishing it out to Dawson and King.

What’s in store: Speculation about an ignominious summer exit for United’s record buy was rife at the business end of 2009/10. However, Sir Alex seems loathe to let the Bulgarian go; he remains appreciative of Dimitar’s capability for brilliance and the education his experience could bring to a burgeoning crop of young strikers at Old Trafford.

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Player review: Anderson

Staggered season and injury puts the Brazilian's career on hold, but he'll be back...

Story of the season After just one appearance in August, September augured well for Anderson when he played and scored at Spurs and then retained his place in the eleven for the 4-3 win over Manchester City. With a Champions League start away to Besiktas sandwiched in between, that was his best spell – the only time he started three games on the spin. It was ironic that Anderson was unavailable when Sir Alex regularly accommodated three central midfielders from March to May; while 4-4-2 was in vogue during the autumn, the boss was picking two from a talented quintet also comprising Carrick, Fletcher, Scholes and, to a lesser extent, Gibson. Anderson may therefore have played a big part in the closing months of the campaign had he not suffered a season-ending knee injury on 23 February, during United’s 3-0 win over West Ham. The fact he’d only just returned to action after missing seven games, and was looking very sharp in the game, made the pill harder to swallow.

Finest moment Although he had notably notched a penalty in the Moscow rain at the end of an epic debut season for United, Anderson was still seeking his first official goal when his third campaign kicked off in August 2009. But after a 77th game without scoring passed him by at Burnley, his moment finally came at White Hart Lane. Four minutes before half-time, the Brazilian lashed home the rebound from Paul Scholes’ shot to put the Reds 2-1 up and on course for a fine away win.

What’s in store? Anderson will be desperate to make up for lost time when his fourth season at the club dawns, having not kicked a ball competitively for six months. He’ll have extra reason to celebrate his comeback – his next United appearance will be his 100th.


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Player review: Owen

Important goals were the hallmark of Michael Owen's abbreviated first season at OT...

Story of the season As a player whose name was synonymous for years with United's biggest rivals, Michael Owen knew his move to OT was not going to be greeted with universal approval in either Manchester or Merseyside. But one thing no fan could deny was that in snapping up the former England number 9 on a free transfer, Sir Alex was in a win-win situation. The gaffer was probably aware that Owen would not start many games, but as a world-class finisher he could still offer something priceless: goals. His nine strikes in all competitions, despite two thirds of his appearances coming as sub, more than justified his acquisition. That’s especially true given the importance of some of those goals – a hat-trick in the Champions League, a dramatic derby winner and Carling Cup final strike among them. It was unfortunate that his injury curse came back to haunt him shortly after that latter strike, but he had already proved his enduring worth.

Finest moment That goal against Aston Villa at Wembley was special enough, but there is no doubt which goal will stick in our memories. Nearly 96 minutes gone against City, the blue quarter of Manchester already celebrating a draw as if they had won the treble, and Owen did what he has always done: he sniffed out space on the edge of the box and coolly finished to give United a priceless win over our noisy neighbours. Much ink has been spilled over chances the Reds might have put away last season, but without strikes like that we would never have made it to a final day title decider.

What’s in store? He signed a two-year deal at the start of the campaign and, despite requiring surgery on his hamstring injury, the 30-year-old is on course to return for pre-season training. More timely contributions like this year’s would be most welcome.

 

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Player review: Brown

Injury forced Wes out of the run-in, but his contribution was immense when his team-mates were suffering on the treatment table…

Story of the season: With injuries affecting the United’s back line through much of the autumn and winter, Wes stepped up when Rio Ferdinand was out with back problems and strung together a series of solid performances. His appearances in the team were interrupted when he suffered a thigh strain just before Christmas, an injury that left United without a recognised defender in the starting line-up in the match against Fulham. But he returned for the league games against Hull and Wigan, and United were immediately back to winning ways. His form this season earned him England call-ups for the friendlies against Brazil in November and champions of Africa Egypt in March, after more than a year away from the international scene. His appearance at Wolves at the start of March was his last of the season after he suffered a broken metatarsal. He returned to the squad at the end of April and was an unused sub for two of United’s final three games.

Finest moment: This goal will be remembered by most for Wayne Rooney’s exquisite assist to Dimitar Berbatov, but it was only made possible by the artful application of Wesley’s sturdy bonce. Away at the KC Stadium, United were 2-1 up but the points far from secure in the face of a vibrant showing from Hull City. Brown strode forward to attack a clearance from keeper Boaz Myhill’s, thumping it fully 50 yards into Rooney’s path as accurately as any Paul Scholes pass. Wazza took a couple of touches and threaded the ball through Anthony Gardner’s legs to find Berbatov for a tap-in at the far post.

What’s in store? Two seasons ago, Wes signed a five-year deal to keep him at the club until 2013, so we’ll be seeing him around for a good while yet. There will be added competition for places at centre-back next term with young Chris Smalling joining from Fulham, but Brown’s dedication and versatility mean there will always be a place for him in Sir Alex’s plans.

 

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Player review: Ferdinand

Despite becoming England captain, Rio Ferdinand endured a frustrating 2009/10...

Story of the season: "The day after a game I would waddle into the club like a duck, bent over like an old hunchback,” Rio admitted when describing the back injury which ravaged his campaign. The manner with which Fernando Torres brushed aside the defender's attentions at Anfield in October prompted a moment of clarity: "We made a decision to rest it completely before I could return to the team." In his first game back, Rio’s off-the-ball clash with Hull's Craig Fagan yielded a three-game ban, subsequently extended to four for what the FA deemed a frivolous appeal. Finally back for March’s hard-fought win at Wolves, Rio reprised his partnership with Nemanja Vidic and turned in a string of typically unflustered performances as the season wound to a close. There was another late injury scare when he tweaked a groin muscle and dislocated a finger in the goalless draw at Blackburn, but Rio’s determination to play on demonstrated his unerring commitment to the cause.

Finest moment: Ferdinand and Vidic shouldered plenty of flak after three successive defeats to Liverpool between 2008 and 2009. Although Fernando Torres escaped the entire defence’s attentions to open the scoring at Old Trafford in March, the manner with which Rio snuffed out the visitors’ threat throughout the game exorcised some lingering demons. Sadly no goals for the lofty defender to celebrate, although he did come close with a superb hooked volley at home to Fulham.

What’s in store? Rio will be intent on attaining and retaining full fitness ahead of next season, especially with the ever-improving Jonny Evans pushing for further involvement and new signing Chris Smalling arriving from Fulham.

 

 

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