M.E.N. Sport's United correspondent Stuart Mathieson casts his expert eye over the form of the FA Cup finalists.
TIM HOWARD: Following an outstanding debut season, the American has suffered a huge dip. Two separate spells in side at start of season and in spring but blew both chances with errors
4
ROY CARROLL: Three horrible blunders cropped up every time it looked like the Irishman would bring stability to the goalkeeping berth. He got away with the worst against Tottenham but AC Milan made him suffer
5
GARY NEVILLE: Fractured kneecap, a virus, shin bruising and a suspension have combined to break up his usual consistency of selection but has been solid as ever when playing and deliveries are now vital part of his game
7
GABRIEL HEINZE: Hit the ground running with a bang scoring against Bolton on his debut. Despite a delayed start to Reds career, clocking up tons of air miles, language barrier and a new culture to learn during the term he has become a cult hero with United fans. The Olympic gold medallist's no-nonsense all-action full-back play has answered the problem left-back spot. Outstanding
9
RIO FERDINAND: Ended his eight-month FA suspension in September and returned to action looking as if he'd never been away. Only late season when contract talks blew up did he go off the boil
7
MIKAEL SILVESTRE: The Frenchman is still prone to some damaging lapses in his concentration and hasn't been as powerful and convincing as we've known him
5
WES BROWN: Central defence or right back he has been powerful when chosen. Since February onwards he has looked the defender he always promised to be but injuries had always stopped him
6
JOHN O'SHEA: Ousted from left back by the emergence of Heinze so has been tough to show he's got over last term's second season syndrome slip. Had spells in midfield
5
PHIL NEVILLE: Future looked bright when he signed five-year deal on American pre-season tour after an impressive 2003-04 but mysteriously hasn't played enough to get form together
5
RONALDO:
Dazzling feet have lit up some matches but his individualism has sometimes cost United a consistent supply line from the right. Came to the fore scoring wise in 2005
6
DARREN FLETCHER: Manager claims stats prove United are poorer without him. Injuries, however, have meant many fans unable to fully go along with Fergie's belief in the Scot. Tireless worker nonetheless
6
QUINTON FORTUNE: Improving and the fans like his powerful aggressive work but has still not been able to command a regular position
5
RYAN GIGGS: The Christmas and New Year period, when United needed it most, his experience and form helped pull Reds through. In and out since February and his dazzling form has been limited
6
ROY KEANE: Had more games than many thought he'd get but not as many as you'd hope. Influence is still strong even if the bones are creaking. Badly missed against the lower teams
7
PAUL SCHOLES: His England international retirement has not had quite the pay off United fans were expecting. But like Giggs his mid-season form was crucial. Contributed double figures in goals
6
KLEBERSON: The Boy From Brazil has never grabbed the few opportunities he's had. Ankle injury and surgery back home didn't help. But has suffered in the Premiership
3
LOUIS SAHA: A season to forget with four separate fights with knee problems wrecking any hopes he had of building on his promising debut half season
4
ALAN SMITH: Shouldered start of season goalscoring burden brilliantly when everyone else up front was unfit. Fans love his heart on his sleeve work rate. Probably deserves more matches than he's had
7
WAYNE ROONEY: Fantastic start and has scored some crackers and has been a constant threat in most matches. The burden of being a '29m buy after his Euro 2004 success has been water off a duck's back for him. A great debut campaign
8
RUUD VAN NISTELROOY: If only he'd been fit what could United's season have been like. Hernia op and Achilles problems have ruined his campaign. Only looked like the Real Ruud for three-month spell in autumn
5
Agree with the ratings? Have your say.
Tweet
Comments
Login or Register to comment
I think its a very close one between Heinze and Rooney... They were both excellent! I would give it to Heinze this season though, I think Rooney is going to be explosive next season... wait... what about Roy Carroll or Mr Howard?
Smith 1st month, Rio after ban, Giggs over Christmas-Jan, Rooney/Ronaldo in the run in but consistentley over the hole season Heinze has been exceptional
ROONEY. By a country mile.
LIAM MILLER: Woeful absolutley woeful.
0 OUT OF 10
DAVID BELLION: Still showing potential from the leagues most expensive free signing.
4 OUT OF 10
Heinze came in as an unknown and had to win over the fans and board immediately as he'd gone AWOL at the Olympics. Coupled with that formidable obstacle he couldn't speak English, was out of his cultural element, and had to learn all about Premiership football. He deserves the highest possible credit for overcoming every potential stumbling block and shining like a beacon in defence, as well as setting up numerous attacks. He is without doubt our player of the season and you feel he will go on getting better.
HOW THE HELL CAN RONALDO ONLY GET A 6?!?!?!?! it is this lack of appreciation that will cause this sensation to lose his desire to play for united and leave. he has been our best player for the past 2 seasons FULL STOP
RONALDO A 6!!!!!!!!!!!!becouse of this we are going to lose this amazing kid,and the day we lose him,we are ruined.Ronaldo gets no good words from this town.is it a problem the fact that he is not an english?even we he plays an amazing match you always find something...he didn't pass well,he didn't do this,he didn't do that....I wish to ronaldo to go to some other club where people will actualy recognize his talent.in this club he is only going dow.go to real or barca,they will welcome you the way you deserve it!!!!!!!!!!!!
I'm with chris on this one - Ronaldo does not get appreciation he deserves. The rating is also unfair on Kleberson.
why am i not surprised on d rating for Ronaldo..wht does it take to appreciate his talent..a measly 6 r u saying that Giggs/ Scholes were on par with him in terms of performance ..give me a break!!!they were only useful in a handful matches but ronaldo was brilliant when we needed him most..despite a hectic year playing in Euro and the Olympics he always give
his best..mayb thts not good enough for some..wonderboy Rooney had a great season but he too had a few lapses in his game..Heinze has been brilliiant..i do hope Ronaldo will be motivated enough to remain playing for us as he's under appreciated and deserve the recognition..perhaps next season when he makes his critics eat their words and see what a brilliant talent he is together with Rooney and perhaps Fletcher.
Up d Reds!!
chris v, old t - I'm with you on that one mate!!! Cristiano Ronaldo's stat's alone are impressive with 9 goals and 6 assists this season for United overall and he has hit the post 8 times this season too. For Portugal he's scored 8 goals and had 4 assists during this season also. He's been fantastic for United and we clearly miss him when he's being rested or injured. For me he should have been awarded an 8 on a par with Wayne Rooney as these boys have both done well for their clubs and their country. For those of you who would argue that he is a frustrating player to watch (Which I strongly disagree with) then all I'll say is would you rather he was playing against us for the likes of Chelski, Barcelona, Real Madrid or even AC Milan???!!! Cristiano Ronaldo will become a world footballer of the year just like his idol Luis Figo. Live the Dream.....
For me the best Manchester player this year has been Shaun Wright Phillips. I am very proud to be a Manchester fan when I see the way he plays.
6 ronaldo because no-one at united deserves it better because besides rooneys start united did nothing
Wayne Rooney is the most important player in Man.Utd. last season.He is a no nonsense player.More grease to your elbow.Thanks.
Phil Neville's been outstanding this season!!He has proved that he's able to captained United's junior team and has also done great job in United's defence and midfield.I think he must be given more opportunity to put out his talent and contributions to Manutd's wins
i think Rooney, Ronaldo (6...its a joke) and Rio (before he started to think about Roman's money) played well, but for me the Argentine warrior Heinze was the best player. 100% commitment and was also consistant throughout the season.
gabriell heinze has been the best player of thje season at old trafford
Wayne Rooney should be player of the season. He is just fantastic.
Rooney has been a real star dis season with van nistlerooy injured he lead the front line scorin sum crucial goals i give im a 10. Ronaldo has had an outstandin season with his crossin improvin i give im a 9. I think john o Shea in da centre of midfield woz absolutely magnificent i give im a 7. But da signin of gab Heinze has given united a world class left back i give im a 9.
no way. ronaldo was amazing and our second best player after hinze
Last year the forward line was a mess, they could not play together. They did not seem to know how to break through any defence.We need a young striker and together with Rooney and Ronaldo if they are properly trained and they play to score and not to satisfy their personal ego then we shall have a team. Sir Alex Ferguson needs to get a good deputy last year they both made mistakes and the team paid dearly for it . The defence played well but they were let down by the goal scorers.
OMG! Ronaldo deserves atles a 8 and Ronney should have 10. Our best players of the season
why is ronaldo only a 6!!!! he can use both of his feet spectacularly and shows creative flair which is ,in my opinion, overuling of the fact that he can ignore a pass to try and beat someone,and when your the best in england at it ,why not? he is also the most fouled player in the premiership and is given way to much stick for diving
The ratings are spot on. Both Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs had spells when they looked magic but they only maintained that level for about 4-6 weeks. What people seem to have overlooked with regard to Christiano Ronaldo is that, although much of his work is eye catching, it is not often productive. If he could stop being a fancy Dan (and, hopefully, this will come with age..), he will be a major asset. Similarly with Wayne Rooney (who sometimes thinks he can walk on water!!), when he matures, we will have a world beater on our hands.
Gabriel einze is not uniteds best player rio ferdinand is a much better defender and is easily an 8.
Perfect marks apart from Ronaldo 8 and Fergie 3 Carlos2