CM – Angel di Maria
The club record £59.7m signing has been a revelation since his transfer from Real Madrid and if the club are to return to the Champions League this Argentine is sure to play a big part.
CM – Daley Blind
Quietly goes about his business in defensive midfield, but the Netherlands international is vital to the balance of a team that contains so many attacking stars.
CM – Ander Herrera
There are doubts over whether this midfielder will play or not as Herrera continues to recover from a rib injury, but the Spaniard would certainly be a useful addition in the middle.
CAM – Juan Mata
With captain Wayne Rooney still serving a ban for being sent off against West Ham United it will be a rare opportunity for this playmaker to impress van Gaal.