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.

Valencia won’t sell off the Silva

MANCHESTER UNITED and Real Madrid have been told David Silva is not for sale.

The Valencia midfielder, 24, has been linked with a £30million move. But president Manuel Llorente insisted: "He will not leave."

TheSun

You Jav to Hern your place here

WE JAV TO WORRY ... Mexican ace is still waiting for a work permit

MANCHESTER UNITED new boy Javier Hernandez is still sweating on a work permit before rubber-stamping his £7million switch to Old Trafford.

The Mexican striker, 21, faces a hearing this week and United are praying they will be given special dispensation by the Home Office.

Hernandez gave English fans a glimpse of his talent during a cameo performance for his country at Wembley on Monday.

But he does not meet the regular criteria to be granted a permit as he has not played in 75 per cent of the games for Mexico's senior team in the last two years.

So United plan to highlight his 'exceptional ability' as their reason for trying to sign him.

TheSun

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.

ManUtd.Com

 

Argentine ace primed for big money Manchester United move

Sergio Aguero is primed for a £51million move to Manchester United after suffering cup heartbreak with Atletico Madrid.

The Argentinean played in last nights 2-0 defeat against Sevilla in the Copa del Rey, and now Spanish reports are claiming that Sir Alex Ferguson is ready to pay the release fee in the forwards contract.

Chelsea have also been linked with Aguero, while Real Madrid maintain an interest and seem the most likely destination for the playmaker.

The 21-year-old has previously mentioned the fact that he would not have a problem moving to Atletico’s city rivals if the club needed to sell, however it's unlikely that they'll be getting the £51million quoted from anyone.

 

Mirrorfootball.co.uk