Surely that has got to be without. (Barcelona, Burnley, Liverpool at back end of last season and this season all did not include him)
People keep saying he is the most improved player, he is one of the best DM's in Europe - period and has been for the last year and a half.
I hear people rave on about Mascherano but as good as he is defensively, against the weak teams when Liverpool have the ball he becomes a virtual spectator. Essien is the only like for like who I would say was superior to Fletcher at the moment, in terms of the all round package.
All in all just highlights how extremely mediocre the United midfield is when your DM is by far and away your best midfielder