CM: Daley Blind
The son of Danny, who was Van Gaal’s captain while at Ajax in the Nineties, has already developed a fine reputation as being one of his country’s best holding midfielders, so much so in fact that the 24-year-old is now set to switch from the Eredivisie champions to United to fill one of the club’s problem positions.
CM: Michael Carrick
The England international has the passing range and abilities to be a regular in the Red Devils first team next season under van Gaal.
CM: Shinji Kagawa
The new Dutch coach likes to utilise a ball-playing playmaker in the middle of the park, so expect the Japan international to be given far more of a run out under Van Gaal than he was ever afforded by the previous two United bosses.