It was one of the most mocked attempts at man-management of last
season. Captured on camera in "Being: Liverpool," Brendan Rodgers'
attempts to motivate his new charges included the suggestion that he had
already written down the names of three he thought would let the team
down in the coming months. While those viewing the subsequent
documentary on high-definition televisions had particular reason to
suspect Rodgers' infamous envelopes were empty, little more than a year
later, several higher-profile players he inherited have left Liverpool.
Having seen Rodgers ridiculed, other managers may think twice about
emulating him. Yet, while his methods should be different, there is a
case for David Moyes to deliver a similar message to his Manchester
United charges: If some don't improve, this will be their final season
at Old Trafford. It is not a case of naming them (in an envelope or
otherwise) but of warning them and giving them a chance to state their
case to remain a part of his plans.
The case for a clear-out is growing, and not merely to allow Moyes
to make his mark on the squad he inherited. It is not just United's
stuttering start to the season or the growing realisation that they
possess quantity in every position but only quality in some. Having
failed to recruit his premier targets in the summer, which gave him less
leeway to sell, Moyes has become increasingly open in his belief that
more top-end talents are necessary. "To win the Champions League, you
need five or six world-class players," he said last month, hinting that
he does not have them. But United require not more footballers, just
better ones. It means those already on the side could be demoted to the
status of squad players.
United have plenty already; Sir Alex Ferguson accumulated them. The
only major recent sales were those, like John O'Shea, Wes Brown, Dimitar
Berbatov and Park Ji-sung, who were entering their 30s. Others have
lingered around -- improbably, Nani and Anderson are in their seventh
seasons at Old Trafford -- raising the question of whether continuity
has bred complacency about their futures.
Both, like Tom Cleverley, Antonio Valencia, Ashley Young, Shinji
Kagawa, Phil Jones, Chris Smalling and Jonny Evans, are in a sizable
group of players who have rarely been automatic choices and for whom
this season should represent a test: They could end it as first choices
-- which even then may bring only a place on the bench next year -- or
very much on the fringes of the squad and in danger when Moyes comes to
wield his ax. Because, in most departments of the squad, there are those
who could be looking for new employers in 2014.
Goalkeepers
This is one of the few areas where Moyes should have few concerns.
Indeed, there are suggestions that David de Gea's excellence will bring
him an extended and improved contract. Providing the Spaniard remains
fit and in form, Ben Amos and Anders Lindegaard can continue to
alternate as his understudy. Moyes has greater priorities in the
transfer market than finding a new backup keeper.
Fearing for their future? No one.
Full-backs
Perhaps only Rafael da Silva can be secure. His brother Fabio has
already talked about leaving, and Alexander Buttner was almost loaned
out in the last transfer window. Then there is Patrice Evra, who saw his
position advertised in United's summer-long pursuit of Leighton Baines
and late attempts to bring in Fabio Coentrao. The search for a left-back
is likely to resume and while, unlike the substandard Buttner, the
ebullient Evra would represent high-class cover for a newcomer, his
current deal will expire in 2014.
Fearing for their future? Evra, Buttner and Fabio.
Centre-backs
When Moyes selected Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand together for six
successive games, the old firm seemed to have reasserted its authority.
Instead, after twin horror shows from the Englishman, against
Manchester City and West Brom, Ferdinand seems to have lost his status
as an untouchable. While he has recovered from awkward autumns in the
past, this time decline could prove terminal: He'll turn 35 in November
and be out of contract next year. Vidic's contract will expire, too, but
the captain still seems pivotal. If Ferdinand leaves next year, it may
save the younger central defenders. Yet it may be pertinent that Moyes
seems keen to give Jones more games in the middle of the defence. Evans,
frequently selected last season, has had only two starts this time
around while Smalling's progress has stalled in recent years, and, as he
showed against City, he can't really provide cover at right-back.
Fearing for their future? Ferdinand and Smalling.
Central midfielders
The area where Moyes is keenest to strengthen, if the summer moves
for Cesc Fabregas, Thiago Alcantara, Ander Herrera, Sami Khedira and
Daniele De Rossi are any guide. Marouane Fellaini, the sole major
recruit, was bought for the long term, so despite a mixed start, he is
safe, along with the indispensable Michael Carrick. If Cleverley's
destiny is to be a squad player, a decent display against Shakhtar
Donetsk indicated he can continue to play a part for Moyes; salvation
for him, however, could come from others. Age and injury, respectively,
could compel Ryan Giggs and Darren Fletcher to retire, while Anderson,
another who has not been seen since a disastrous display against West
Brom, looks first in the firing line.
Fearing for their future? Anderson and (not for footballing reasons) Fletcher.
PA PhotosAshley Young hits the deck against Crystal Palace.
Wingers
Umpteen options, no automatic choices: It is a situation that makes
virtually everyone vulnerable. It would be something of a surprise if
Moyes does not bid for a world-class winger in the next year. As it is,
the emergence of Adnan Januzaj has helped illustrate the shortcomings of
others, and assuming the 18-year-old is tied up on a long-term deal,
means the manager could be more ruthless with lesser players. It is
already apparent that Wilfried Zaha is at the back of the queue for
places, and while many are bemused that Moyes does not seem to
appreciate Kagawa's ability, the Japanese is only on the fringes of the
side and has never been used in his preferred position by the Scot.
Of the three senior out-and-out wingers, Nani was recently given a
five-year contract and Valencia figures frequently. That leaves Young:
appalling in the derby defeat to City, criticised by Moyes for diving
against Crystal Palace, having gone 17 months without a club goal and
disliked by many fans. The Englishman looks a prime candidate to go.
Fearing for their future? Young, Kagawa and Zaha.
Strikers
A position where there is something of role reversal: Rather than
ushering players out of the exit, United must be eager to keep them.
Wayne Rooney's current deal expires in 2015, so his situation will have
to be resolved while Moyes' persuasive powers may be required to
persuade Javier Hernandez, who has been granted only one league start,
to remain. Danny Welbeck seems a favourite of the Scot's, while few
would discard Robin van Persie. The transfer budget can be spent on
other sections of the side.