With European football secured for Manchester United, subject to the play-off round, Louis van Gaal will now have to consider if his squad is worthy of fighting against Europe’s finest.
Considering the transfer rumours looming at the Theatre of Dreams, and more importantly, the rumours that look realistic and a possibility this summer, we have considered a potential starting XI, which we believe could fare well in Europe’s most prestigious tournament next season.
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Manager – Louis van Gaal: After an impressive debut season in Manchester, supporters have fallen in love with the manager. While deploying tactics that have often handed United victory, his on and off the field antics make van Gaal a manager many clubs could only wish to have in their ranks. For anyone who witnessed his speech during the Player of the Year awards, no further explanation is needed. Van Gaal’s future is most definitely at Old Trafford for the next year.
GK – Victor Valdes: Unfortunately, David de Gea’s transfer to Real Madrid does look a real possibility. However, fans shouldn’t be too disheartened when Valdes is still available. Many supporters seemed to have forgotten the talent Valdes still possesses, and the former Barcelona goalkeeper, who won the Champions League a staggering three times, would still be one of the Premier League’s finest goalkeepers. He also has that pivotal European experience.
RB – Dani Alves: Van Gaal seems dissatisfied with Rafael, and Antonio Valencia simply cannot cut it as Manchester United standard. A new right-back seems imminent, and despite fierce rumours suggesting a Nathaniel Clyne deal is on the horizon, I feel Dani Alves could be our man. Van Gaal has previously suggested Patrick McNair could be our future right back. As a result, Alves acts as the perfect replacement while he develops – and he’s another with European experience after an illustrious career with Barcelona, alongside our goalkeeper.
CB – Marcos Rojo: After his first season, Rojo has certainly made one of the central spots his own in the defence. Despite the initial concerns, he has grown as a player at Old Trafford, and could feature for the Reds for many years. He has suffered a few unfortunate injuries in his first campaign, and hopefully he can continue to push, while European football could give him even more experience. Until any signings are made, the Argentine is our main man at the back.
CB – Mats Hummels: There are a number of potential names being spread regarding this role, and German defender Hummels has been linked for some time. However, with Borussia Dortmund’s recent struggles, and a lack of European football, a transfer for Hummels could be likely in order to push and develop his career. That’s not to forget he has a wealth of European and top tier experience, and could be the proficient figure we need at the back – aged just 26!
LB – Luke Shaw: It appears we have our left-back for years to come in Shaw, and the Englishman really developed in the closing stages of his debut season. Another unfortunate player who suffered a number of injuries, he may have another season of rotating with Daley Blind (who is not included in this eleven, but would act as back-up to the full-back or central midfielders), while he continues to learn and develop. With van Gaal ensuring he remained with the squad for pre-season rather than joining the England Under-21’s, expect a lot from the defender next season.
CM – Ander Herrera: What a season our little Spaniard has had. My personal ‘star signing’ from the previous season, Herrera seems to love the club, and the club love him! He brings a lot to the midfield and can impress with his versatility, whether required to add cover to a dangerous target, provide energetic movements in the middle, or a pose a danger to goal, Herrera has already proven his worth. And still aged just 25, Herrera could have many years ahead of him in the Manchester ranks, especially with the prospect of the Champions League.
CM – Juan Mata: One of the harder roles to fulfil was the second midfield position. United have been linked to a wealth of talent: Paul Pogba and Ilkay Gundogan to name just two. However, I feel the Reds may struggle to find a suitable candidate. In both Mata and Marouane Fellaini we have talent, and I believe this role will be left to be replaced in the next window. While Fellaini may lack the European talent, or so many say, I believe a deeper-lying Mata (which is likely to happen should he want gametime) will be sufficient for van Gaal’s plans.
CAM – Angel Di Maria: Ultimately, Di Maria struggled to live up to expectations after breaking the record transfer fee. However, he hasn’t been a bad player, and I feel a lot of stick is uncalled for. If he has recorded 10 assists, as well as three goals, when on disappointing form, I can’t wait to see him at his best. He regularly rotated between three different roles last season, and hopefully he can find a settled position next season, which could will be in the middle.
RW – Gareth Bale: The possibility of Bale is an uncertainty. Despite his woes in Spain, 13 goals and nine assists shows another great player. While this deal would take a lot of work, it could be beneficial for United, Madrid and Bale himself. If de Gea is to join Real Madrid, that is the time to pounce for Bale, a star with phenomenal ability and potential, stuck at a club he joined too soon. A return to the Premier League, surrounded by great players, could reignite his form.
LW – Memphis Depay: At just 21 years of age, Depay is a remarkable signing, especially if bought for the rumoured fee of £20-25M. The Dutchman has already worked with van Gaal, and that should ease the settling in process. His form has been remarkable in Holland, and fans will hope he can continue that in England, and a tougher league. However, Depay has a style United have lacked since the era of Ryan Giggs. The youngster plays direct and likes to attack at defenders, rather than play the ball around them – and United have lacked that threat recently.
ST – Wayne Rooney (C): There is no other choice than having Rooney in the squad, and after the unfortunate campaigns of Robin van Persie and Radamel Falcao, the skipper surely has to return up top. He has shown he has still talent, and can lead the club from the top. Rooney has also shown he certainly find the net, and with the likes of Di Maria, Depay, and potentially Bale feeding him, United have may re-found their blitzing attacking line that could terrorise any defence in Europe. I for one am certainly expecting goals from the forward next season.
Here’s how the team looks…
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