Wayne Rooney to lead the line, with new signing Ander Herrera in midfield…
Read more Manchester United transfer news.
Here’s how we reckon Manchester United will line up in their Premier League opener against Swansea City…
GK) David de Gea
The Spanish ‘keeper will start the season in goal, with Anders Lindegaard backing him up from the bench.
DC) Chris Smalling
With van Gaal intent on deploying three central defenders, he has little choice but to use Smalling, Jones and Evans, as a new player for one of these positions has yet to be signed.
DC) Phil Jones
Jones will look the marshal United’s back line, stepping out of defence to make tackles and passes into midfield.
DC) Jonny Evans
Evans could play in the middle of the three, or on the left. The Northern Irishman is composed on the ball, and an underrated aerial threat.
WBR) Antonio Valencia
Valencia is nursing a slight injury, but he’s United’s most dynamic and effective wing-back, and could be risked on Saturday anyway.
WBL) Ashley Young
With Luke Shaw out for a month, van Gaal has to choose between Young and Reece James. The more experienced should get the nod.
MC) Ander Herrera
The summer’s key signing, Herrera will be charged with dictating tempo, and creating chances from deep in United’s midfield.
MC) Darren Fletcher
With Carrick out, vice-captain Fletcher should play the holding role alongside Herrera, providing his side a platform from which they can perform.
AMC) Juan Mata
This formation suits Mata perfectly. The Spaniard can drift in between the lines, and use his creative spark to thread the strikers through on goal.
FC) Javier Hernandez
With Robin van Persie injured, and Danny Welbeck a doubt, Mexican forward Hernandez could get the nod, although he could be sold before the end of the transfer window.
FC) Wayne Rooney
The club captain and talisman, Rooney will be charged with goalscoring duties in the absence of RVP and Welbeck.
SEE MORE:
Zaha leaving
Arturo Vidal transfer
Sexy WAG love triangle caused by Neymar break-up.