I quite like Fornasier, I thought him and Thorpe were our best pairing. McGinty has been unconvincing so far for me, looks a bit gangly and clumsy. Blackett has done quite well so far.
Wootton is actually a pretty good footballer, he looked surprisingly composed and adroit on the ball when playing in midfield for the Academy last season.
The "problem" with defenders is that they require other skills than the one you notice at first sight. Gary Neville is one of the least talented footballers United have had in the first 11 the last 20 years - but his will to win, determination, willing to learn and football intelligence got him further than the rest.
I remember watching Michael Mifsud tearing Gerard Pique to shreds in the league cup - after that game I almost gave up Pique.
Reece Brown has potential - in terms of physical attributes he is probably the best we have. But he has a lot to learn defensively.
Tom Thorpe is my favourite - could be quicker, but he reads the play so well - and always positions himself correctly. Strong in the tackle - good in the air
Tyler Blackett - I have only seen a couple of times - but he impressed me. Very quick, tall, good going forward - showed in the Milk Cup that he can really hit the ball. Yet to see him properly tested defensively though
Oliver Gill - he has taken giant leaps the last 12 months - he was ridiculed in the academy but was rock solid for the reserves. He shouldn't be good enough - but he shouldnt have been good enough for the reserves either. He could do much better than I believe simply because of his ability to rise to the occation
Scott Wootton - to me he looks almost better in a defensive midfield position than in defense. Surprisingly decent with the ball. Wouldnt rule him out yet.
Alberto Massacci - seen very little of him - but he looks really strong offensively - slightly weaker defensively
Michele Fornasier - he hasn't impressed me that much and I don't quite see what the fuss is about. He isn't very quick, not very tall - not very good with the ball - a solid all-round defender and very little else.
Sean McGinty - I don't like his lack of pace - everything else is solid. He has a very good left foot - good in the air, strong as an ox - but the pace ?