How Louis van Gaal’s Old Trafford line-up could look if the Dutch boss lands his top targets before the summer transfer window slams shut.
Goalkeeper – David de Gea
Spanish keeper has a safe grip on the custodian spot and Louis van Gaal appears to have no intention of bringing in any player who could potentially unseat the former Atletico Madrid, such is the confidence the Dutch boss has in de Gea.
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Left-Wingback – Luke Shaw
Man United spent £27m on the teenager so there’s no way he won’t be making it into our XI and we believe he will be of best use in a attack-minded full-back role, which is in part an option due to the decision to use three central defenders.
Centre-Back – Marcos Rojo (Sporting Lisbon)
Imminent signing will sit on the left-hand side of the three at the back, the adaptable defender is comfortable on the ball and a player who has greatly impressed over the past 18 months. Helped his side to a runners-up spot in the Primeira Liga and then played a key role in Argentina’s run to the World Cup final.
Centre-Back – Mehdi Benatia (AS Roma)
The no-nonsense French born Moroccan international may well be the ideal man to replace Nemanja Vidic at the heart of the Man United defence. The uncompromising AS Roma star is a rock solid performer and a very real weapon in the opposition box.
Centre-Back – Phil Jones
England man gets the nod to form part of this back three and is a far more suitable player to fill the right-hand side centre-back role than the likes of Chris Smalling or Jonny Evans. It’s high time though that the 22 year old delivered on his very obvious potential.
Right-Wing – Angel di Maria (Real Madrid)
Man United are apparently ready to stump up as much as £100m to cover the bid for the Bernabeu star and his wage expectations and he sits in the right-wing role in our very attacking formation. Di Maria will see his first team chances limited by the arrival of James Rodriguez though it’s worth noting that the 26 year old did finish last season as Real Madrid’s leading assist maker.
Central Midfielder – Ander Herrera
Classy Spaniard has already impressed during pre-season activity and will be the heartbeat of the Man United midfield and a player who can pull the strings in the centre of the park. Expect Herrera to make a real impact in the Premier League, helping to garner a long overdue first senior national team cap.
Defensive Midfielder – Daley Blind (Ajax)
Dutch utility man is known to be a genuine Louis van Gaal target and whilst the Ajax man can play in a variety of role we select him exclusively in a defensive midfield berth. Man United have lacked an out and out defensively minded midfielder, this was never more apparent than when former boss David Moyes elected to use Marouane Fellaini in an unfamiliar holding role last term, with disastrous results.
Supporting striker – Juan Mata
Expect the former Chelsea man to get fully into gear in 2014/15 after failing to consistently deliver the goods following his January move to Old Trafford. We opt to use the Spanish international in the hole behind a front two, helping to therefore make the most of Wayne Rooney in a striking berth.
Striker – Wayne Rooney
Though the England man is adept at filling the supporting striker role we will look to use the Old Trafford attacker in a duel striking role alongside, rather than behind, Robin Van Persie. Rooney has racked up 217 goals for Man United and as such we feel he is best suited to this role.
Striker – Robin Van Persie
Dutch forward sits in pride of place as the chief tormentor at the spearhead of a front two and a player who, when fully fit, is pretty much peerless when it comes to lethal finishers. Van Persie has netted 85 goals in 124 appearances over the course of the past three seasons.
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