May 8, 2013

My Player of the Season 1.0

By; Z. A. Mbega (@Zamaradi_M)

So, I saw that poll and decided I would write about my player of the season. If you are reading this then I should thank @MUFCTanzania for posting it.

WARNING: Vote for your player of the season before you continue reading, I should warn you, I am very convincing so I might change your mind!

Here they are, from Number 5.


5. Wayne Rooney


This is no surprise. For a very long time, Wayne Rooney has been among the players of the season. He deserved every one of them as he deserves this one. Many players playing for their teams but with Baba Kai, he is like a soldier defending the honor of his country. He is like no other. This season we have seen him doing just that, Wayne creates chances, handed over penalty duties to Robin and when times were tough, Baba Kai goes back and defends. He has played as a midfielder against Stoke City and was voted manutd.com fans Man of the Match! The only thing I am yet to see Baba Kai do, is playing as a goalie, and he just might accept this challenge.

We all know that Ryan Giggs is the ultimate Mr. Manchester United, even Cristiano pointed that out. But if anyone is ever going to get close or break that record, that anyone is none other than Wayne Mark Rooney. Well, I hope PSG backs off and he stays so someday I can say, See, I told you so. 

So far this season, Rooney has made 37 appearances and 16 goals. He joined the select group of 25 Manchester United players with more than 400 appearances in the club's history, and that history goes as back as 1886!




4. Michael Carrick


This was one of those Michael's season (and he has so many of them). Being on this list means he was spectacular for most of the 44 matches that he played from August 2012 to May 2013. There have been claims that Carrick is not as appreciated as he should be. Even Rio Ferdinand claimed that in public but the ever so modesty Michael does not mind if the media turn a blind eye on him, as long the club and fans appreciates. And boy, do we appreciate the heart of our midfield for this season!

Carrick's form this season is more appreciated especially with the fact that our midfield seemed to have had one of those seasons we all wish they didn't have. We have struggled in the middle but the ever so classy Carrick kept his cool and kept us calm.

And Squawka released their stats which shows that Carrick made more forward passes than ANY other midfielder in the top 5 European Leagues. He has made  nearly 150 more than the second midfielder in that list! From manutd.com Carrick received 15 Man of the match nominations. And just to prove his form throughout the season, Carrick has the most Player of the Month nominations, 5 from 9 months! Being outstanding in 5 of 9 months is definitely Player of the Season material.

And he is in PFA team of the year!





3. Robin Van Persie


Van Perfect, Van Magoli or as I call him Zam Persie. The face of MUFC for 2012/2013. Top goal scorer. The transfer of the season. The Heart Breaker (Arsenal's hearts of course). Well, you get the point that I just love Robin.

His transfer from Arsenal to Manchester United is right up there in my 5 surprises of 2012! But it happened, and when he wore that Red shirt with the MUFC emblem we all knew, we'd found a treasure. We expected Zam Persie to score 'some' goals, he scored 29 goals. They expected him to not last a whole season uninjured, he has made more appearances than any other MUFC player this season. Whatever our expectations he delivered, whatever their doubts he proved them wrong.
He was such a threat to competition that even Roberto Mancini was quoted saying;




"The difference between Manchester United and Manchester City is Robin Van Persie."

He might have hit some bumps between mid February and mid April by going 10 games without scoring. But he bounced back, and do I need to point out how good he is that he goes 10 matches without scoring and yet finishes as the season's top goal scorer for both club and League?

I love Zam Persie and the only reason he is not my Player of the season is; I didn't expect anything less from him.


He is not my number one player of the season but the photo of him nearly killing SAF with a hug is my photo of the season and that celebration was my moment of the season, no doubt! And that hat trick to seal the deal for Title No. 20! Robin's season has been like one of those classic movies, starts well, gets into some trouble and finishes with a bang! Sensational!





2. Rafael Da Silva

Look at Rafael in line up and you wonder, what is that kid doing there? Even a photo on his manutd.com profile shows that kid in him, Check that 'smile'! And then you have Sir Alex almost always referring to him as Young Rafael! You get worried, no?

Then watch the samba boy playing! He is a joy to watch. He was so good this season that I vividly remember most of his high lights, that goal against QPR! He had the hardest task of his young career when he was asked to mark Cristiano Ronaldo, which is a nightmare to any defender, regardless of their age or physique. He was so impressive that in a press conference prior to a second leg at Old Trafford, of the few things that SAF pointed out was;


"Young Rafael will be getting the same task. I hope he picked some experience from the first leg."

Pretty amazing Rafael has been this season. So many highlights. Of the players I can not wait to see next season, Rafael is on top of that list. If MY player of the season gets 10 points, Young Rafael is getting a 9.5. He was that good.

PS: Young Rafael has collected 8 yellow cards (one less than the man himself, Scholes) and one Red card this season. May be it's time he spends more time with Giggs and learn how to stay clear of them.



Tomorrow I will tell you why De Gea is my player of the season...

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