RoM 2010 Awards: Youngster Coming Good award

The Youngster Coming Good award

Nominees: Anderson, Rafael and Chris Smalling
Anderson was walking a tightrope for his United career for most of 2010. Poor attitude and a lengthy injury set him back, before he crashed his car in the small hours just before the season started after leaving a night club.

Both Gareth Bale and Samir Nasri were being touted as the best talents in Europe for their position in the media before coming to Old Trafford. Rafael didn’t even seem to break a sweat when keeping them both out of the game. It makes all the times John O’Shea started at the beginning of the season all the more frustrating. Still prone to the odd rash decision, this lad has come on leaps and bounds defensively, whilst still putting in a good shift going forward.

Chris Smalling came with high expectations after a large transfer fee, although after making several errors in his time with Fulham before being dropped from the team, people were sceptical. However, he’s starting to look the business, putting in competent and mature displays, looking every bit the Rio replacement. He’s leapfrogged Jonny Evans in pecking order and at almost 6’5″, looks down at Rio and Vida.

Winner: Rafael