With the plethora of injuries surrounding Manchester United at the moment, we are yet to see Louis Van Gaal’s best Manchester United side. Although United are currently 4th in the Premier League table talks of an injury crisis are all that you hear about when the topic of discussion is Manchester United. Here at Soccersouls we take a look at what will be the strongest lineup for Louis Van Gaal when everyone is fit at the Old Trafford club.
Goalkeeper:
David De Gea
The only position where there cannot be any scope for argument. David De Gea has established himself firmly as not only as a fan favourite, but also as one of the best young shot stoppers in Europe. There can be no doubt that the Spaniard will be the one under the bars when choosing the best Manchester United side.
Defence:
Rafael, Phil Jones, Marcos Rojo, Luke Shaw
It is the rearguard at Manchester United which has suffered the most from all the injuries. After all, never has a Manchester United team looked so vulnerable to almost every attack from the opposition and such is the situation that academy players like Paddy McNair and Tyler Blackett are having to fill in.
Rafael is a shoo in at right back when fit because truthfully he is the only natural right back that Manchester United have at the moment. Coming to the centre back pairing there will be some debate as to why we did not pick either of Chris Smalling or Jonny Evans ahead of Phil Jones. The truth is that although Smalling and Evans are both exceptional defenders there can be no doubt that Phil Jones was in exceptional form before he picked up the injury. Also there is the case of Jones usually reserving his best performances for the big team which ensures that he ticks all the right boxes for us. Marcos Rojo as the left handed central defender and Luke Shaw at left back are also no brainers considering their quality.
Midfield:
Daley Blind, Michael Carrick, Ander Herrera
This was another tough one given the options Manchester United have at their disposal once every player is fit. Although Marouane Fellaini can provide some competition for Daley Blind for his position, we feel that the Dutchman’s technique and passing range means that he gets to be higher in the pecking order. Michael Carrick is a no brainer since he is one of the best performers Manchester United has had since a long time now.
The stability he provides means that he is a guaranteed starter when he is fit. Now comes the decision of whether to pick Juan Mata or Ander Herrera. Now given the fact that we have opted for a 3 man midfielder and more importantly having to accommodate luxury players like Angel Di Maria, we just feel that Ander Herrera will fit the system better. Ander Herrera is more dynamic and not only moves forward but also has a box to box presence.
Forward:
Angel Di Maria, Falcao, Wayne Rooney
This was probably the easiest choice we have had to make despite not being able to accommodate Robin Van Persie to the starting line up. However when you consider that he is competing directly with Falcao, there is no doubt regarding who wins out. Also Angel Di Maria to start on the left and Wayne Rooney to provide his guile on the right means that the team when everyone is fit looks incredibly exciting.
