As the Manchester United fans in the bar gather round the TV in anticipation of tonight’s Ballon D’Or ceremony, they’re debating whether a player from their side will ever lift the honour again.
United’s proud history has seen a number of their stars regarded as amongst the best in the world, with Cristiano Ronaldo winning his first Ballon D’Or whilst he wore the famous Red Devils jersey.
Since that success, and most significantly the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson, United have seen the talent levels within their squad decrease significantly- with wholesale changes required to get the Red Devils back to the levels they should be at.
However, United do boast some talented players that, with the right guidance, could find themselves in the running for the Ballon D’Or in the future. In fact, they’ve identified five players that they think could be regarded as the world’s best in the future.
Hit former United superstar and Ballon D’Or contender Ronaldo below to see FIVE United stars who could win the honour in the future!
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David De Gea
25-year-old Spanish goalkeeper David De Gea is currently rated as one of the best goalkeepers in the world right now and when Manuel Neuer hangs up his boots, he could make that honour his own.
It would require a step-up to be a contender for the Ballon D’Or but there is no doubt the United goalkeeper possesses the talent to be regarded in that bracket, though the main concern with United fans is whether he will achieve his full potential at Old Trafford or with Real Madrid.
Anthony Martial
The most expensive teenager in world football, Anthony Martial has enjoyed a fairly successful first season with Manchester United. Not quite showing consistent talent just yet, Martial has come up with moments of magic which show exactly why United paid what they did for the French international.
Just 20-years-old, Martial has years ahead of him at the pinnacle of European football and this plays into his hands. Find more consistency and show the ability to be the superstar striker within the side and United will hit new heights- with Martial becoming one of the world’s best.
Luke Shaw
Defenders are often overlooked for the award but if there is any Manchester United defender that may find himself in this bracket in the future, it has to be Luke Shaw. Still just 20-years-old, England fans have raved about his talent for years.
Unfortunately sidelined with a long-term injury, Shaw’s chances of featuring in this summer’s European Championships have taken a huge blow. Nevertheless, he already has World Cup experience and that will only increase as the years tick-on.
Memphis Depay
Flailing at Manchester United in his first season, Memphis Depay has struggled since his high-profile arrival from PSV Eindhoven. Whilst consistency is his main problem, the Dutch star has shown moments of brilliance- particularly early on in his Red Devils career.
Find that form regularly and the sky is the limit for Memphis Depay, who could genuinely follow in the footsteps of Cristiano Ronaldo. That will take a lot of focus, determination and skill but Depay has an abundance of the latter.
Adnan Januzaj
Since exploding onto the Manchester United scene under David Moyes, Adnan Januzaj’s career has stalled. An unsuccessful loan spell with Borussia Dortmund has failed to help matters but there is no doubt Januzaj is a talented player.
Starring for the international side ranked number one in the world, the Belgian has the talent to kick-on and improve his displays in the future. Whether that’s at Old Trafford or elsewhere remains to be seen but you shouldn’t take your eyes of this bright talent, as he’s destined for great things.
