--- title: "Pre-season: Manchester United vs Club America – 5 things to look out for" canonical: "https://readmanutd.com/2015/07/17/pre-season-manchester-united-vs-club-america-5-things-to-look-out-for/" type: "post" language: "en-GB" section: "Man Utd Match Previews" published: "2015-07-17T00:26:00Z" modified: "2015-07-17T00:26:00Z" --- # Pre-season: Manchester United vs Club America – 5 things to look out for **Manchester United’s new additions to the squad get their first chance to gel on the pitch as they have done off, but who or what in particular should you keep watch for? Here’s five:** **1. That Schmidfield** That term that’s been getting a workout in recent weeks, the central park compilation of Bastian Schweinsteiger is something that the Manchester United faithful are eagerly anticipating a debut for. You’d struggle to find a more stellar line-up in midfield in the Premier League (despite the weak spot rival fans have targeted in our first ever German to represent the first team), let alone the Liga MX from whence our opponents came which has lead some fans to go as far as suggesting that David de Gea’s decisive departure would be in fact irrelevant with a diamond that would take excessive amounts of energy to break down. In addition, Woodward and co’s wrapping up of the signing of Depay leaves Louis van Gaal with a serious selection headache with simply not enough starting places to habilitate the players of the jerseys from six to eleven at his disposal. However, pre-season provides the gaffer with an ideal opportunity to trial different compilations and discover who compliments who, providing a nice balance at the same time. **2. The youth of today** Sam Johnstone, Tyler Blackett, Paddy McNair, Luke Shaw, Sean Goss, and Jesse Lingard all headed the squad list for the tour of the States, presenting them with the chance to mingle with professionals. Much is on offer for these youngsters who could gain invaluable experience, handy for either a bid for the jersey at Old Trafford or a loan move that many may find themselves subject to. With the likes of Tom Thorpe told he was free to find a new employer taking the Reds’ supporters aback, it will be interesting to see just what the backroom staff have seen in his former teammates that makes them so able to possibly partner Nicolas Otamendi or Sergio Ramos if the top flight outfit land their main men. **3. David de Gea** His devotion to the cause is never in doubt, but with the 24-year-olds whereabouts next campaign in doubt, will van Gaal be unwilling to risk his currently in-tact health and instead give his understudies a run out? Who knows which individuals could be watching on from the stands, perhaps certain someone’s that our shot-stopper would be out to impress? Additionally, even so much as a wave to the travelling support would certainly stir up a commotion on social media and give something those journalists to feast on! I don’t question that the Spaniard wouldn’t want to be overseas with his side but is there somewhere else he’d rather be? After giving up all hope of him penning a new deal as surely it would be but a flick-of-the-wrist to sign on the dotted line should he wish to remain at Old Trafford? If anything, the quantity of question marks in the short space of a single paragraph epitomises the situation. **4. The flanks** On paper, Angel Di Maria would stand miles apart from Antonio Valencia, however, I need not regurgitate the season he will wish to put behind him. Amid PSG links though, the British transfer record will need to keep his mind on the task in order to salvage his career. Additionally, one of Ander Herrera’s standout performances came when speeding down that right channel and Mata is also known to plug the gap. As for the left, Ashley Young’s surprise ascension will earn him a chance to pick up where he left off, although our first summer signing is the one making fantasy XI’s everywhere and the one who’s bond forged through the Netherlands national side with the gaffer will most likely guarantee him the spot out wide. On the other hand, he may be forced into the overflow carpark that is the frontline with his goal-to-game ratio being something of a wonder. Essentially, it all depends on which player provides that flair and creativity to summon up chances for Wayne Rooney and co as van Gaal has shown he is u afraid to shun the reputable names in favour of those who will give him more. **5. Luke Shaw** Failing to live up to his billing last term, predominantly due to injury and the like, the left-back has a stick or twist 10 months ahead. Should he once again fall behind Blind, Rojo, and Blackett, Shaw could be deemed surplus to requirements and hung out to dry. Whether he is on track to return to his former self that earned him his big money move following his torment at the hands of injury for large parts of the 2014/15 campaign is yet to be seen but is the immense pressure to be too much? For such tender years – as justified by the images of himself and his teammates boarding their yet with the London-born boy possessing a likeness to a child being shipped off for his first day at lower school – the expectations of him establishing himself in not only the top flight side but also in the England squad is something that could be enough to see any player fading from sight and mind to a mid-table team. A friendly face is always an added bonus though and with the 20-year-old reportedly convincing his former French teammate to join him at the Theatre of Dreams, we owe it to him to wipe the slate clean of last seasons shenanigans.