Manchester United’s potential line-up with the addition of Daley Blind…
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Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal faces the difficult task of transforming his ailing United team over the coming weeks.
His latest signings – Angel di Maria and Daley Blind – suggest that he is considering dropping the 3-5-2 formation after three unsuccessful games, as he faces a battle to fit all his star players into that setup.
Here is how United could look in a more tradition 4-3-3 formation:
GK) David de Gea
The first name on the team-sheet, there is just no competition for his place.
RB) Chris Smalling
Moved to right-back to accommodate the 4-3-3 formation, could also be used on the right of a back three.
CB) Phil Jones
Will be key to United’s fortunes this season after the club’s failure to sign a world class centre back.
CB) Marcos Rojo
Would likely favour a role on the left of a back three, but could easily adjust to being an outright centre-back after his promising World Cup performances for Argentina.
LB) Luke Shaw
Will need to hit the ground running after injuries and fitness issues have plagued the start of his United career.
DM) Daley Blind
The versatile Dutchman will add some much needed grit to United’s midfield and help link-up the play between the defence and the midfield.
CM) Ander Herrera
Will sit in a deep lying playmaker role, and will be responsible for tracking back as well going forward.
CM) Juan Mata
Allowed to play in his preferred attacking midfield role just behind the striker. But in a attacking line-up, he will need to work hard defensively as well.
RW) Wayne Rooney
The United skipper would likely be forced out wide in this formation, but would undoubtedly be allowed to drift up front, interchanging with the other members of the front three.
LW) Angel di Maria
The Argentine will be expected to bring width to this United team, and he will be allowed to deliver from both flanks as he switches regularly with Rooney.
ST) Robin van Persie
Van Gaal’s international and club star is still United’s main man, and will lead the line when fit. If he is restricted by injury issues, expect Rooney to move into a central position, with Adnan Januzaj or Danny Welbeck moving out wide.
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