After last season’s 7th place finish and one of their worst runs in club history with David Moyes, Louis Van Gaal and Manchester United will want to get the club close to where it once was and fast.
In his first transfer window, Van Gaal has brought in six new players:
- Luke Shaw (LB) £30million
- Ander Hererra (CAM) £28.8million
- Marcos Rojo (LCB/LB) £16million
- Angel DiMaria (LW) £59.7million
- Daley Blind (CB/CDM) £14million
- Radamel Falcao (ST) £24million (Loan with option to buy)
He also sold/loan 6 others:
- Danny Welbeck to Arsenal £16million
- Shinji Kagawa to Dortmund £6million
- Javier Hernandez to Real Madrid (Loan)
- Wilfred Zaha to Crystal Palace (Loan)
- Luis Nani to Lisbon (Loan)
- Tom Cleverley to Aston Villa (Loan)
Van Gaal has had some trouble in the early days of the season, and it will be interesting to see how he will set his formation and lineup now that he has the players he wants.
Van Gaal shocked much of the soccer world by bringing in Radamel Falcao, and it is unclear whether he will be a starter or a backup for Robin Van Persie and captain Wayne Rooney. Bringing another striker in was a necessary move as both back-up strikers, Hernandez and Welbeck, left Old Trafford.
Van Gaal has also looked to bulk up his midfield with the purchase of Angel Di Maria from Real Madrid and Daley Blind from Ajax. Di Maria is regarded as one of the top players in the world and recently assisted three goals and scored one to help Argentina defeat Germany 4-2 in a friendly. Daley Blind gave the assist for one of the best goals of the World Cup to one of his new club teammates van Persie, who converted the pass into a flying header against Spain.
Here, I will predict some lineups that he could play with his current roster.
3-5-2
Should Van Gall continue to pursue this formation, this is the lineup that I think is most likely that he will play.
Blind is a versatile player, which is why Van Gaal bought him. Blind could strengthen their defensive midfield that has been lacking due to an injury to Michael Carrick, who will miss four more league games, and Blind can even drop into a defensive line of four when needed. Darren Fletcher could also play in that position, but Fletcher is not at the peak of career anymore.
Subs: Januzaj for Valencia
Falcao for Rooney or Van Persie
Shaw for Rojo
4-1-3-2
This is how I would like United to play with a healthy squad.
With this formation, Rojo and Rafael are allowed to play as wingback and have Carrick drop back to play with three in the back. There is no doubt that the five up top will be able to create chances and the selection of players will be deeper to give them rest throughout the season. Until Carrick recovers from his injury, this formation cannot happen.
Until then, I would still be happy with this formation.
Evans has not played solid football for the past few games, and Blackett should not be featured in starting lineups until he can show consistency, strength, and confidence. Smalling has shown that he can play well at center-back, and Van Gaal should have confidence in his ability, especially with Jones by his side.
Subs: Januzaj for Di Maria
Valencia for Mata
Falcao for Rooney or Van Persie
Here is a squad with the all the players that could possibly play in each position.
(Add Blind to CDM position as well)
Nevertheless, we still see that two strikers will play up top, and they will all have to fight for a position in the starting 11 each week.
Manchester United’s team is deep in defense with Evans and Smalling able to play centrally and Shaw able to give wingers breaks down the left. United’s weakness falls in Ander Herrra’s position. In order to give him a break and still play with strong attackers, Anderson would have to play, but he has not shown to be in the same great shape that he once was. Another option would be to put Mata in his position and add Valencia or Januzaj in his place closer to the right wing; nevertheless, United will be missing an influential player.
There is no doubt that United has a top squad, and Van Gaal knows that. It will be up to him to decide how the squad will play and where they will play, but, ultimately, it is up to the players to score goals, defend well, and win games. If United can get back into the Top 4, that will be great, but I think their main objective is to get back into the Champions League this season.
United may be able to play with their new signings on the field at one time against Queens Park Rangers on September 14th as Marcos Rojo now has his work permit and Ander Herrera will be off of the injured list. Daley Blind may also make his debut for United during that game. Van Gaal will have time to evaluate his players with their national teams instead of with United during the two-week international break. United will be searching for its first win of the season. Their record currently stands at 0-2-1, and United is 14th on the table.