3 Things LVG Must Do This January: Change The Playing Style

Manchester United need to make some changes and make them fast looking at how perilously close Louis van Gaal came to being axed back in December. It wasn’t at all pretty and the results came in question more than the so-called ‘unattractive’ playing style. United failed to win a game in the month of December, rightly prompting demands that changes have to be made this January.

And the January transfer window is wide open now and deals are being done and completed already. And Manchester United are no strangers to getting linked to all sorts of players ever day, if not every hour. It’s clear that signings have to be made, but it isn’t quite clear what kind of signings to be made. So, here are some issues Manchester United need to address this January.

1. Playing Style

It’s been a constant criticism ever since Louis van Gaal took over, barring the results and the scrutiny has deepened if the playing style has bored fans to sleep and if results aren’t going their way, much the December month. And United showed glimpses of entertaining football against Chelsea, but in vain as they were held to a 0-0 draw against Guus Hiddink’s struggling Blues.

And what Louis van Gaal has to improve is United’s playing style. It’s too possession based and too rigid for players to take risks. And all that’s happening in a world where you can’t score a goal without taking any risks. And that’s a big reason why United have failed to score too many goals of late.

It’s seemingly and increasingly looking as if the Red Devils are getting back to playing a pleasing brand of football than a bland one after a win over Swansea. And it has to continue.

2. Get a goal-scorer

There have been numerous games this season wherein United haven’t won games despite playing well enough and creating chances, particularly the game against Chelsea and even the one against Newcastle early in the season.

They’ve missed chances with the help of which they could’ve won games or probably could’ve got 3 or 4 goals. Wayne Rooney’s poor form has been a big reason for it and although, Anthony Martial has made up for slightly for the lack of goals but relying on a teenager for goals is utterly ridiculous. Rooney’s performances are giving an impression that he’s not good enough to play up top in a one striker formation and at the number ten role, the skipper has looked sharp and impressive.

A goal-scorer who can get 20 a season is found wanting. Martial isn’t the finished product and will more than just 20 in the future, but relying on him for scoring 20 would be sheer foolishness.

3. Pace, pace and Sadio Mane!

It’s become a cliché really, United need players with pace, players who can stretch the opposition and take players on to beat them. No United player does that currently, apart from Martial and this is something you need in a possession dominated playing style. Barcelona had players like Lionel Messi under Pep Guardiola, van Gaal’s Bayern Munich had the likes of Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery to rip defences apart and that’s the kind of players Manchester United need.

And Sadio Mane is just what United need. He’s got raw pace, can go past the opposition defenders as if they aren’t there and can score and assist too. He can play up top, wide, behind the striker and plays just as effective there.

United players give an impression of being shackled to playing possession football and the need for a speedster would break off those shackles and inject more energy into the play, helping United score goals.