United's midfield options

By David Wall & Alex Dunn   Subscribe to RSS Feed

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Manchester United boasted one of Europe's finest midfield pairings last season in the guise of Paul Scholes and Michael Carrick, but that has not stopped Sir Alex Ferguson from adding competition for places.

Owen Hargreaves' big money arrival from Bayern Munich will manifest a real poser for Ferguson, who will have to prime two from three - or change his system.

The likes of Darren Fletcher and John O'Shea will also be eager for playing time and while they may find themselves on the periphery at times, it seems likely they will be called upon at some stage, as United hunt for silverware on four fronts.

Opta take a look at all the contenders for a starting spot next season at Old Trafford, with some of the findings likely to be eye-opening.

PlayerMichael CarrickPaul ScholesDarren FletcherJohn O'SheaOwen Hargreaves
TeamManchester UnitedManchester UnitedManchester UnitedManchester UnitedBayern Munich
Appearances333024329
Minutes On Pitch2,5122,5961,4261,719720
Goal Attempts     
Goals36340
Shots On Target717856
Shooting Accuracy28%65%44%100%46%
Chance Conversion12%23%17%80%0%
Passing     
Goal Assists31110
Total Passes1,8222,0698541,039371
Pass Completion %84%91%83%81%85%
Crossing     
Total Crosses7028341919
Cross Completion %43%21%24%21%21%
Defending     
Tackles Made89956758102
Tackles Won %69%76%70%76%49%
Discipline     
Fouls2948212020
Yellow Cards28021
Red Cards01000

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