Well, the list is a short one. Anders Lindegaard, Patrice Evra, Luis Nani, Phil Jones, Ashley Young, Wayne Rooney and Danny Welbeck all made it onto the plane to Poland & Ukraine.
Anders Lindegaard was so anonymous, that one could forget that he was actually at the euros. The Denmark keeper was merely a spectator like the rest of us. Seems like he could have to get used to it with De Gea seemingly being United’s number one.
So let’s have a look at United’s stand in captain. Evra started off the campaign quite well. His game against England included something that United fans had not seen in a while; an Evra who managed to mix his attacking duties with his defensive duties, yet never be caught out, albeit that England hardly ever threatened to overrun France. Evra was subsequently dropped for the next 2 games against Ukraine and Sweden. There was no clear explanation to this, but with France coming up against Spain, and Gael Clichy (Evra’s replacement) being prone to the odd aberration, we may see Evra flying down the wing in the quarter final.
Speaking about flying down the wing, United’s very own Luis Nani has hit the ground running. With sparkling performances against the Dutch and Danes, he has caught the eye a bit more than most. Even against a solid German defence, he provided moments of danger that others didn’t seem to create. The Portuguese wing wizard has shown something that he has lacked over the years, and that is a final product. Nani has used his box of tricks along with low crosses into the box, and pinpoint passes that have opened up defences, one of his most glamorous moments being a brilliant through ball to Cristiano Ronaldo, to secure a spot in the quarter finals. Last night's performance against the Czechs was a mixed bag to be honest but he is a key player for Portugal and will have a big say in whether they make the final or not. For me, he is one of the players to watch in this tournament.
From one to watch, to one who is watching the games go by, young Phil Jones has not placed a foot onto the field of play. Seen as a “use in case of emergency” player, it seems as though Jones may not set foot on the field of play, unless it’s an England training match. The tournament will however, be a great experience for him and he should come back to United refreshed after a mixed first season at United.
Another United youngster who was expected to warm the bench was Danny Welbeck. Many saw Andy Carroll as the first choice striker, but the lanky youngster from Longsight has made the position his own. Welbeck hasn’t set the tournament alight thus far but it’s his tireless work rate and willingness to run the channels that have helped England get to where they are. Welbeck hasn’t had much to work with, especially against France, but when most needed, he came to the fore, which was seen in the Sweden game; a great run and cross by Walcott allowed Danny to cheekily back heel England’s third and final goal into the net. This was a goal that played its part in allowing England to face up against Italy, rather than the all-conquering Spanish team. Danny didn’t do as well against Ukraine, but his almost telepathic relationship with Wayne Rooney, speed and tireless work rate should see him keep his place and possibly see the goals flow for the young striker.
Wayne Rooney has barely started his euro campaign. Similar to that of Andrei Arshavin, in euro 2008, he was suspended for the first 2 games. Rooney may not have had the same electric effect as the little Russian, but he did find the back of the net against Ukraine. Some say he looked rusty, but with Rooney on the field, England had someone who could do anything at any time. One moment in particular was his calmness to beat 2 men, and then spray the ball out wide to give impetus to an attack. It was simple but effective. If Rooney can shake off the rust and play at half the level he started the season off at, England could find their attack going from toothless to razor sharp and ready to take a bite into Italy’s defence.
One man who was meant to provide some of that bite was Ashley Young. He had been one of England’s best players in the build-up to the euros, providing assists and scoring goals. Things have not worked out so well for the former Aston Villa man. Against France, he didn’t get much of the ball, but created one of England’s most dangerous attacks only for James Milner to round the keeper, and with the goal at his mercy, miss completely. Young was just as quiet during the Sweden game, but in those 2 group games, Young showed his willingness to track back and help out his defence. A pinpoint cross from Young, against Ukraine, should have culminated in a Rooney goal, only for the striker to head the ball wide from 6 yards out. Young has threatened to show his best form, but has found his way blocked by England’s lack of possession, or defensive tactics. With an injury scare, it seems as though Young may have played his last game in the tournament, unless England can get past the Italians.
The United contingent has had an impact on the euros, and long may it continue. Hopefully, one of them will return to Carrington as a European championship winner.
By Natanael Pillay (Follow me on Twitter)
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