Analyzing Manchester United’s Squad Depth: All Smiles At The Attacking Department, While Defence Needs A Leader

Manchester United are having a crazy summer transfer window after adding some huge names to their squad they are hungry for more and planning to add more marquee signings for the upcoming season. United had won their last Premier League trophy under Sir Alex Ferguson in the 2012/13 season and if United don’t win the league this season it would be their longest league drought in the Premier League era.

The Red Devils squad seems to be a mixed bag as the average players like Ashley Young, Antonio Valencia, Ander Herrera and Michael Carrick out performed some superstars like Angel Di Maria and Juan Mata in the previous season. With Memphis Depay, Matteo Darmian, Bastian Schweinsteiger and Morgan Schinederlin joining Manchester United this summer we look at the potential United squad and find out whether or not they will be able to clinch the title this season.

Goalkeepers:

United have a total of four goal keepers in the likes David de Gea, Sergio Romero, Victor Valdes and Anders Lindegaard. David De Gea’s number one spot seems to be pretty certain after an amazing season last time around. However, the signing of Romero may suggest that if Real Madrid increase their offer for De Gea and are also ready to sell Sergio Ramos in return then the Argentine Romero would be the clubs first choice keeper.

Also, Victor Valdes’ future seems to be in doubt due to his rift between United coach Louis van Gaal. With Valdes certain to leave either Lindegaard or Milinkovic would continue to play as the backup for the club’s first choice keeper.

Defenders:

United’s defence line has been pretty shaky ever since the departure of club captains Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Matic and Patrice Evra. United’s centre back line includes Chris Smalling, Phil Jones, Paddy McNair, Marcos Rojo, Tyler Blackett and Johnny Evans. Unfortunately, that has been the major concern for the Red Devils and United are planning to add some quality defenders to their squad and are heavily linked with Valencia and Argentine centre back Nicolas Otamendi.

For the right back spot United have already signed Matteo Darmian and Rafael is a good backup option to Darmian. Another player United would like to use as a right back is Antonio Valencia. The Ecuadorian was tidy at the back and adapted to the make shift right back spot with ease. In the left back spot Luke Shaw and Daley Blind will have to fight it out. Luke Shaw wasn’t that great last season as injuries hampered his progress, allowing Daley Blind to play the majority of the season at left back but this time around LVG is most likely to make him the first choice as Blind can also plays as a defensive midfielder.

Midfielders:

United have an array of quality midfielders in their squad in the likes of Michael Carrick, Morgan Schinederlin, Maraoune Fellaini, Bastian Schweinsteiger and Ander Herrera in their squad and it would be a shame to see any of these players getting benched. Also, Juan Mata and Ashley Young can occupy the attacking mid positions. It would surely be a difficult choice for Louis van Gaal to give every player decent amount of playing time.

Forwards:

United have some quality wingers in their ranks, Andreas Pereira, Adnan Januzaj and Memphis Depay have shown incredible potential, Pereira had a good pre-season and an amazing U-20 world cup with Brazil which he ended as the runner up losing to Serbia.

Elsewhere, Januzaj has failed to live up to the hype which he created two seasons ago under David Moyes and it is believed that he would be loaned to a top flight club to gain some valuable experience. Speaking about Depay, he has been a regular member of the Holland squad and Van Gaal knows how well Depay can be, he is surely the one to watch out for.

Another player who was a major surprise last season was Ashley Young. The English International was incredible in attacks and bought his pace to good effect. He toppled Angel Di Maria from the first team spot and proved how good he was. United have a small striker force with Wayne Rooney leading the pack, Javier Hernandez is expected to stay and occupy the role of a poacher. Also, one striker which would like to carve a niche for him is James Wilson. The English prodigy has been a creative striking force and he surely is in the mould of Rooney.

Conclusion:

United’s midfield and attacking department looks like a class act, the only major tweak they would like to make is in the defense line-up. A Nicolas Otamendi or Sergio Ramos might just do the trick for United and they might just clinch the much needed silverware this season or mount a very serious challenge.