Man Utd squad from 26-1 in order of importance.
SEE ALSO: The Best Manchester United players of all time
With Manchester United desperately looking to improve on last season’s disappointment of finishing in 7th, CaughtOffside takes a look at Louis van Gaal’s 26-man first-team squad and who will be the most important members of the team in their quest to get back into the top four of the Premier League.
26) Jesse Lingard
A promising youngster who has impressed in loan spells in the Championship, Jesse Lingard is perhaps unlikely to see a great deal of first-team action this season.
25) Anderson
Possibly set to leave the club, Anderson’s performances have been really on the wane in recent years and he surely won’t be first choice if he does remain at Old Trafford.
24) Nick Powell
One of the best young players at the club, Nick Powell faces a tough fight for a starting spot in this United side, though a loan move to another Premier League club perhaps seems more likely.
23) Anders Lindegaard
The club’s backup goalkeeper, Lindegaard won’t necessarily play a great deal, but is a useful option for the Red Devils if their first choice keeper gets injured.
22) Chris Smalling
Not the best player in the world, but a useful member of the United squad due to his versatility in several defensive positions, though he needs to start showing a bit more improvement.
21) Marouane Fellaini
A disappointment following his big-money move from Everton last season, Marouane Fellaini now faces an increased fight to break into United’s starting lineup, though he could be useful member of van Gaal’s squad.
20) Wilfried Zaha
Another signing who failed to deliver last season, Zaha remains a highly rated prospect and could be useful for United if they fail to bring in new additions on the flanks.
19) Tom Cleverley
A player who has failed to live up to his potential so far in his Old Trafford career, but Tom Cleverley remains a solid option from the bench to provide depth in midfield.
18) Darren Fletcher
A potentially crucial performer if he can get over his recent problems with illness, Darren Fletcher will be hoping to make more of an impact for United this season.
17) Ashley Young
A player who has badly disappointed in his time at United so far, but Ashley Young remains one of few options on the wings for van Gaal unless he can bring new players in.
16) Nani
Another off-form wide-player, Nani may be about to leave the club this summer, though he could be important for the Red Devils if he can regain his best form.
15) Antonio Valencia
Probably United’s first choice on the flanks at the moment, Antonio Valencia will potentially have a key role to play for van Gaal’s side this season, and also provides an option at right-back.
14) Shinji Kagawa
A player who will be hoping to improve this season after a slow start to life at Old Trafford, Shinji Kagawa could potentially become a key playmaker under the guidance of van Gaal, who may be better equipped to get the best out of the Japanese international than David Moyes.
13) Michael Carrick
Despite United targeting some new signings in midfield, Michael Carrick will presumably remain an important part of the side due to his experience and ability to link up play from deep.
12) Javier Hernandez
A backup striker, Javier Hernandez could potentially be a super-sub for United if he rejects offers from interested clubs elsewhere, with his eye for goal always a useful option.
11) Rafael
Likely to be United’s first choice at right-back, Rafael will be looking to show more consistency for the club this season and fulfill the promise seen in him as a youngster.
10) Phil Jones
A promising talent who also needs to grow a little as a player, Phil Jones will surely be a useful member of United’s squad this season with his ability to play in a number of positions.
9) Danny Welbeck
Another good player to provide United with some depth upfront, Danny Welbeck could be an important cog in the United machine, with his work-rate and stamina making him a good foil for the likes of Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie.
8) Adnan Januzaj
A superb young talent, Adnan Januzaj already looks like becoming one of United’s most important players, and will likely be set for more first-team appearances this season due to a shortage of quality in that area for the Red Devils.
7) Jonny Evans
Potentially first choice for United if the club fail to bring in some of their top defensive targets, Jonny Evans has shown himself to be a highly capable centre-back in recent years and could relish a more important role in the side with the departures of Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic.
6) Ander Herrera
An exciting new signing for United, Ander Herrera joins from Athletic Bilbao and should become a regular in the Red Devils’ midfield, with composure on the ball and creativity that the Red Devils have been lacking recently.
5) Luke Shaw
Another new-boy, Luke Shaw joins from Southampton as one of the most exciting young players in the country, and will now become first choice after the departure of Patrice Evra. It will certainly be exciting to see what the 19-year-old can do at a bigger club.
4) David de Gea
A real star of this United side, David de Gea’s performances in goal will be crucial next season, particularly if the club are not able to fully rely on their current crop of defenders.
3) Juan Mata
After having some time to settle after signing from Chelsea in January, Juan Mata should now become a key player for United, particularly under the management of van Gaal, who will be able to get the best out of his creative game.
2) Wayne Rooney
Having under-performed in recent times, there will be some pressure on Wayne Rooney to step up this season, and his performances in pre-season so far suggest he is relishing his role under van Gaal. The England international could even be named club captain, which would be a fitting reward for his superb performances and long service to the club.
1) Robin van Persie
A world class striker, Robin van Persie should improve tremendously under the arrival of his Netherlands national coach van Gaal, and he would also benefit from a bit more luck with injuries after a stop-start season in 2013/14. Likely to be among the top scorers in the Premier League, van Persie is a real match-winner and will as such be arguably United’s most important player.