Louis van Gaal could have a seriously impressive roster to choose from if his club sign him the required stars…
SEE ALSO: The best managers in world football
If Manchester United make the astronomical moves in the transfer market they’re expected to this summer, here’s two possible starting XIs new manager Louis van Gaal may have at his disposal in 2014/15!
GK) David de Gea or Anders Lindegaard
Spanish no.1 de Gea was one of United’s very best keepers last term, and in Danish backup Lindegaard, they’ve got a reliable option from the bench should something happen to their first-choice 23-year-old.
Click through the pages to read the rest of the squad!
DR) Rafael or Daryl Janmaat
Rafael will hope for a more consistent season than last under David Moyes, while Dutch defender Janmaat could arrive from Feyenoord to compete with the young Brazilian. The 24-year-old is very hard-working, and rarely is caught out of position in defence.
DC) Miranda or Jonny Evans
Atletico’s Brazilian central defender is the favourite to arrive at Old Trafford to replace the departing Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic. Jonny Evans will hope a full pre-season will help him find the fitness and form that saw him become a key member of the side under Sir Alex Ferguson previously.
DC) Phil Jones or Stefan de Vrij
Fans are crying out for Jones to be given a solid run at centre-back, although Dutch stopper de Vrij could arrive to bolster LVG’s options. He works with the coach currently for Holland.
DL) Luke Shaw or Patrice Evra
Wonderkid Shaw should arrive for £27m when he’s back from the World Cup with England, after agreeing a £160,000k-per-week deal, while ageing Frenchman Evra has signed a one year contract extension, and will likely act as Shaw’s mentor next term.
MC) Bastian Schweinsteiger or Michael Carrick
The German battler is apparently available, and van Gaal is desperate to bring him to Old Trafford having previously managed him at Bayern Munich. Carrick does a less combative, but similar job at the base of midfield, and would be a more than able backup option.
MC) Kevin Strootman or Marouane Fellaini
United are keen to bring in a box-to-box midfield dynamo who combined energy with technical skill. 24-year-old Roma midfielder Strootman ticks all these boxes, although the club may wait until January to make a £30m bid for him. If Fellaini isn’t sold (which he could be) – the Belgian will likely be used as a rotation option rather than a starter.
MC) Enzo Perez or Shinji Kagawa
The Argentine international midfielder may prove a cheaper and more realistic option than Atletico Madrid’s Koke. The Benfica man can pass brilliantly, and retain possession in tight areas – while Kagawa could possibly enjoy a new lease of life under LVG.
AMC) Juan Mata or Adnan Januzaj
Mata will almost certainly be given the pivotal no.10 role his talents deserve, while Januzaj will be slowly eased into the first-team as well. Either could also play wide depending on the formation LVG chooses.
FC) Wayne Rooney or Danny Welbeck
The country’s highest paid player demands a starting spot for United, although he’ll likely be used slightly deeper than Robin van Persie ahead of him. Welbeck provides pace from the bench, and can equally play from the left.
FC) Robin van Persie or James Wilson
Holland’s all-time top scorer will be looking to earn his third Premier League Golden Boot next season. Wonderkid James Wilson, who scored twice on debut last season, will not be ignored either.
