Five key players for United

DAVID DE GEA (goalkeeper)

After a difficult debut season at Old Trafford, De Gea has established himself as United’s first-choice goalkeeper. The 22-year-old Spaniard has made occasional high-profile mistakes, but he has also produced some outstanding performances. Sir Alex Ferguson praised him after the recent 2-2 draw at West Ham, saying he had developed into “a first-class goalkeeper”. RAFAEL DA SILVA (right-back)

Having inherited Gary Neville’s number two shirt, Rafael has demonstrated he is capable of becoming the long-term successor to the former England full-back on the right flank of the United defence. MICHAEL CARRICK (midfielder)

Often overlooked by fans and pundits, Carrick has enjoyed his most accomplished season in a red shirt since his 2006 transfer from Tottenham. The 31-year-old has proved an unflappable presence in front of the United defence and his composed displays have enabled him to force his way into Roy Hodgson’s England team. ROBIN VAN PERSIE (striker)

A £24 million capture from Arsenal last year, Van Persie took to life at United like a duck to water. After scoring within 10 minutes of his home debut against Fulham in August, he claimed a hat-trick at Southampton and went on to net crucial winners against Liverpool and Manchester City. Strikes against Stoke and West Ham, followed by a hat-trick against Villa, have taken his tally to 24. DANNY WELBECK (striker) Welbeck may have only scored once in the league this season, but his industriousness and versatility have made him a key element. He created a sensation when he was preferred to Wayne Rooney in the starting line-up for the Champions League home game with Real Madrid, sparking speculation about Rooney’s future. – Sapa-AFP