Thought on Manchester United's Season to Date

photo by ansik	via PhotoRee

With the Red Devils in their customary perch at the top of the table looking down upon the rest of the League, we've decided it's time to take stock of the Manchester United season to date and rate the players' performances.  Today we'll look at the goalkeepers and defenders, and tomorrow we'll take a gander at the midfielders and strikers:

Anders Lindegaard: Provided stiff competition for De Gea, and filled in capably when requested. Very few teams in the league have a backup this dependable. 7

David De Gea: He's been bad and he's been very, very good. He doesn't always choose the orthodox route to a save, but he will keep on getting better, especially if he plays regularly. He is the future. 8

Rafael: A huge weapon going forward, and his defense is not bad, either -- except when he shuts off mentally, which still happens on occasion. 7

Rio Ferdinand: He's lost a step, but still gets by most games with his guile and positioning. And he seems to have managed the back injuries which have limited his participation in recent years. 7


Jonny Evans: Still prone to the odd mistake or two, Evans has filled in capably when called upon. 7

Nemanja Vidic: Came back too soon, and never fully recovered from last season's injury. Let's hope he's not rushed this time: 6

Patrice Evra: The Captain seems motivated by a burgeoning rivalry with Alexander Buttner. His performances have improved of late, and so has his scoring touch: 7

Alexander Buttner: We've seen too little of him to reliably grade, but we like what we've seen so far.  Incomplete.

This is farlieonfootie for November 15.