How United could line up if they complete stunning Bale signing.
With news that Manchester United are targeting Real Madrid star Gareth Bale as an alternative to his team-mate and their former hero Cristiano Ronaldo, CaughtOffside looks at a potential XI Louis van Gaal could field next season if the club do sign the Welshman.
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Some big names have to drop out of the starting lineup to accommodate the 25-year-old, who is certainly the calibre of player worth building a team around, though this may also require a formation change from the United boss.
See below as we fit Bale into a new-look 4-2-3-1 formation without the likes of Juan Mata, Robin van Persie and Adnan Januzaj:
Goalkeeper and defence:
Although van Gaal has often shown a preference for a back three, United have arguably looked better since recently changing to a straightforward four at the back, and that is how they should line up here with Rafael, Phil Jones, Marcos Rojo and Luke Shaw the first choice in front of goalkeeper David de Gea.
Midfield:
In a defensive midfield two, Daley Blind and Ander Herrera look the best pairing for United despite other transfer speculation linking them with the likes of Kevin Strootman and Arturo Vidal. Still, these two have looked strong for the club so far this season and form an impressive-looking combination here.
Attack:
Although this would likely be a fluid attacking midfield three, Gareth Bale starts on the right-hand side here as he has so often cut in to good effect onto his preferred left foot and looked deadly in this position. Wayne Rooney keeps hia place just behind the main striker Radamel Falcao, with Angel Di Maria on the left-hand side completing an absolutely phenomenal attacking quartet.
Man Utd XI with Bale in full: