United On Fire

This series investigates who will play where next season at Manchester United. I look at each player that can play in each position before deciding who will star next season and who will be out the door. We’ll start the debate at left back as there is continued speculation over the future of Gabriel Heinze.

Current Players

Patrice Evra After injury struck down Heinze, Evra became the number one choice at left back. Whilst others don’t rate him, Sir Alex certainly does. After a horrendous first game in a dreadful Manchester derby, Evra struggled in his first season. However, last season he really came good and put in some top class performances, keeping Heinze out of the side. Evra’s great strength is his attacking ability and he makes some great surging runs and combines this with strong tackling. Only seemed less than good when he came back from injury too soon at the end of the season.

Gabriel Heinze A fully committed defender, putting himself where other (cough… rio) would fear to go. Therefore a big fan’s favourite. However, got a really bad injury, came back too soon to play in the World Cup for Argentina and looked pretty poor at times last season. Will always give 100% and if he can reclaim the form of his first United season will be pushing for first choice again. Transfer speculation abounds and the latest is a possible move to Liverpool but like others, I don’t see that happening.

Mikael Silvestre Not very affectionately known as Easter Island Head, the French full back’s greatest contribution to the title chase last season was to tumble over the top of an opponent, breaking his collarbone and putting himself out of contention for the rest of the season. Whilst everyone cheered when Vidic returned from a similar injury, the kept on cheering when Silvestre didn’t do the same. Fergie doesn’t want to get rid of him though but he wasn’t in the new squad photo and the latest rumour is that he is off to Laurent Blanc’s Bordeaux

Kieran Richardson For the love of God, NOOOOOOOO!

Transfer targets

With Garath Bale signing for Spurs there doesn’t seem to be anyone else coming in. And if Heinze stays we don’t need anyone.

The Verdict

Evra will start at left back next season, Heinze will stay as more than useful backup, perhaps reclaiming his form and pushing Evra out. I hope that Silvestre and Richardson see the wrong end of a Fergie Flying Boot and make a sharp Old Trafford exit.

What do you think? Evra or Heinze? Any reserves coming through, or transfer targets that are better than Evra or Heinze?

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