Man Utd key players: Five most important Reds stars this season, featuring Wayne Rooney & David de Gea

Ranking Man Utd key players this season.

Man Utd key players: Analysing the top five most important members of Louis van Gaal’s squad for the season ahead, featuring club captain and main striker Wayne Rooney

5) Morgan Schneiderlin

Signed to provide defensive strength and quality on the ball in Manchester United’s midfield, there’s no doubt Morgan Schneiderlin could make a huge impact at Old Trafford this season. Wanted by Arsenal prior to his move, the French international is undoubtedly one of the finest players in Europe in his position.

SEE ALSO:
FIFA 16 best players – Top 20 REVEALED!
9 statistically best strikers in the Premier League: Harry Kane behind Liverpool star, Wayne Rooney surprise
Manchester United rumours

4) Juan Mata

The creative hub of this United team, Juan Mata will be crucial to how Louis van Gaal’s side play, with the Spaniard always capable of a decisive pass or goal to change the flow of a game in his side’s favour.

3) Chris Smalling

A rock in defence for United, there will be real pressure on Chris Smalling to continue his recent improvement after the Red Devils opted not to sign a new centre-back this summer. Defence has been a bit of a weakness for United in recent times, but things look to be improving and the England international has been a key part of that revival.

2) David de Gea

Unsettled after this summer’s Real Madrid saga, David de Gea should still be number one at Old Trafford and it will be vitally important for United that he gets back to his best quickly, with the club relying so heavily on his world class shot-stopping displays last term.

1) Wayne Rooney

Club captain and main man up front, Wayne Rooney badly needs to improve on his slow start to the season if United are to have any hope of winning silverware. The England international is one of the best strikers in the world on his day, though it looks increasingly like he may be past his peak. Still, if Rooney can muster up just one more prolific season, he could make all the difference for the club as they look to restore the glory days.