How van Gaal’s team could look next term.
Having signed Ander Herrera and Luke Shaw in the last week things are looking positive at Manchester United and new manager Louis van Gaal is expected to add a few more faces to his squad for the 2014/15 season.
Among those being linked with a transfer to Old Trafford are FC Barcelona forward Alexis Sanchez and Arturo Vidal of Juventus and here is how the Daily Mail thinks the United XI will look next term.
GK – David de Gea
In what was a disappointing campaign in charge for David Moyes in 2013/14, one of the few positives with the improved form of de Gea, who continues to prove he is a top-class goalkeeper.
RB – Daryl Janmaat
With van Gaal taking over at the Theatre of Dreams it was always likely the Dutchman would target some of the players he is currently managing in the Netherlands national team, with Feyenoord’s Janmaat looking like the perfect option.
CB – Chris Smalling
With Rio Ferdinand and captain Nemanja Vidic having both left the club, central defence will take on a whole new look and despite concerns over Smalling’s defensive capabilities, the Englishman is expected to be given a chance.
CB – Bruno Martins Indi
Alongside Smalling there is another Dutch international, with Martins Indi also currently playing for Feyenoord and having the added bonus of being able to play at left-back.
LB – Luke Shaw
Having made Shaw the most expensive teenager of all time by paying Southampton £27m for his services, expect to see the 18-year-old replacing Patrice Evra in the starting XI.
CM – Arturo Vidal
There are many that regard this Chile international as the best box-to-box midfielder on the planet and with good reason, having been the standout performer for Juventus since joining them in 2011.
CM – Ander Herrera
The other of the Red Devils’ new signings and a £28.8m midfielder who is expected to bring both defensive grit and attacking flair to the side.
CM – Juan Mata
In a new look team under van Gaal there is talk Mata will play in a deeper role as one third of a midfield trio brimming with creativity – something that was absent from the side last term.
RW – Alexis Sanchez
A second Chilean now and a forward who is being strongly linked with a move from the Nou Camp this summer and having impressed at the World Cup there will be many potential suitors.
ST – Robin van Persie
A real favourite of van Gaal’s having worked together for two years on the international stage and there is talk the striker will replace Vidic as club captain.
LW – Wayne Rooney
Despite hardly showering himself in glory on the left flank at the World Cup, to accommodate van Persie expect Rooney to have to become used to this new role.
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