STATS: Vidic’s interceptions for Manchester United vs Williams’ blocks for Swansea
Manchester Utd v Swansea, Sunday 16:00
– Manchester United fans will be in line for a memorable afternoon on Sunday as Sir Alex Ferguson takes charge of Manchester United at Old Trafford for the last time. The Scot has led United to their 20th league title this season, but even with the thought of a well earned retirement you can bet his United team will be as determined as ever to win against Swansea after suffering a 1-0 defeat against Chelsea in their last run out.
– Nemanja Vidic has been one of Ferguson’s most celebrated signings at Old Trafford, and he again proved his worth against Chelsea making 24 interceptions, the highest in the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index for the last round of games, and ranked 15th highest by a player in a game this season.
– One of Ferguson’s best qualities as a manager is the work ethic he instills in his players, and one reflection of that is in Robin van Persie. Van Persie is not only leading the Premier League’s goal scoring charts this season, he has also made more clearances than any other striker in the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index with 31.
– Patrice Evra has been a stand out performer for Manchester United this season, winning 64.1% of his 82 tackles, and completing 624 passes in the opposition half and delivering 42 crosses, notching up 6 assists and 4 goals.
– In the opposite full back slot, Rafael has answered critics with a solid season, making 111 defensive contributions including 52 interceptions and winning 49 of 82 attempted tackles, while also completing 531 passes in the opposition half, enough to feature in the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index’s top ten defenders for passes.
– Sir Alex’s retirement may impact on today’s opponents in more ways than one, as Michael Laudrup is one name linked to taking over at Everton when David Moyes moves to Old Trafford.
– Swansea face United on a good run, after holding Manchester City to a 0-0 draw and then defeating Wigan in a trilling 3-2 victory, thanks to goals from Angel Rangel, Itay Schechter and Dwight Tendalli.
– In a high scoring game it seems odd to single out a defender for praise, but Ashley Williams again showed his value to Swansea by making four crucial blocks, the joint highest by a player in the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index in the last round of games.
– The impressiveness of Williams’ defensive performance this season is made all the more clear when you consider that he has made 388 defensive contributions this season across tackles won, interceptions, blocks and clearances. That’s 50 more than his nearest rival, Fulham’s Brede Hangeland.
– His defensive partner Chico also attempted his 100th tackle of the season in the last round of games. He is one of 22 players in the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index to have attempted 100 tackles or more this season, winning 68% of them (one of only five players from the 22 who have hit the 100 tackle milestone and maintained a tackles won percentage of 60% or over)