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Manchester United’s Dream Team That Could Be Lined Up For The 2015/16 Season

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Louis Van Gaal has been impressively leading a comeback with the 20 times champions of England and has not been afraid to splash the cash in his short tenure so far. A squad which looked deflated and full of dead wood has slowly begun to be transformed into a top team, with summer signings filling many of the necessary holes. However, the Dutchman’s line up is far from complete, with the centre-back and midfield areas still in need of strengthening. Baring in mind United like to also maintain an English core, we create a Manchester United dream team that could take the Premier League by storm in the 2015/16 season.

Formation: 4-3-3. Van Gaal prefers the 3-5-2 formation but the early signs have been that, that may not work in England. Also United have arguably had most of their success playing under my selected formation so far this campaign.

Goalkeeper: David De Gea

Having endured a shaky start to his United career, over the past few seasons the Spaniard has begun to transform into one of the world’s best keepers. De Gea has enjoyed his best year to date this campaign, playing magnificently against Arsenal, Liverpool and Everton. Although rumours have suggested that Real Madrid are sniffing around but I’m sure the Red Devils will do everything in their power to retain the services of the man, who is beginning to knock on the door of Manuel Neuer to become the world’s best keeper.

Left-back: Luke Shaw

At the tender age of 19, Shaw has already been capped by England, played at a World Cup and made a record £27m move to Manchester United. However, you can see what all the hype s about having performed admirably for Southampton for the past 2 seasons. He appears to have no real flaws in his game. He is strong, quick, good on the ball, a good tackler, great crosser and has a very good character. An unfortunate injury early on against Arsenal halted him somewhat after he has been beginning to impress for his new club but his time will come and he will be the club’s left-back for many years to come.

Centre-back: Miranda

miranda

It has become more than common knowledge that United need a new centre-back but the name on many people’s lips has been Mats Hummels not that of the Brazilian. However, in my opinion, Hummels isn’t the best at defending and could prove to be a liability. Miranda has been at the heart of Atletico Madrid’s success in recent times and has hardly put a foot wrong in the past 3 seasons. He has built a formidable defensive partnership with Diego Godin and the pair of them have been superb. Great in the air and a fantastic tackler, with a surprise burst of pace – he could be Van Gaal’s man. Would add much needed experience to the United backline.

Centre-back: Phil Jones

Not the greatest on the ball but a superb, dominant defender. Tipped by Sir Alex Ferguson to be a United legend, Jones hasn’t quite lived up to the hype yet. However, you can clearly see his potential, as he looks a superb athlete and defender at times. Dominant in the air and on the floor, Jones can be sloppy but you can’t deny his toughness and defensive abilities. He his young so has time to develop.

Right-back: Rafael Da Silva

The young Brazilian has made the right-spot at Old Trafford his own following the retirement of Gary Neville. Having struggled under David Moyes’ short reign last season along with many other members of the squad, Da Silva is beginning to rediscover his form which saw him impress under Ferguson. Injury has halted his progress but his talent is clear to see and he should improve under Van Gaal. Like Luke Shaw he is young, so should be a mainstay in United’s defence for many years to come.

Defensive midfield: Kevin Strootman

The Dutchman has long been pursued by United and Van Gaal is openly a fan. Various reports have suggested that a deal to take Strootman to United will go ahead either in January or next summer. Nothing is for certain but you can’t help but feel that this one will go ahead sometime. Touted as the new Roy Keane, he would add control and good passing as well as a willingness to scarp and tackle. Michael Carrick is getting no younger and Daley Blind is talented utility man who probably isn’t of Strootman’s level. So his addition would be highly valuable.

Central Midfield: Ander Herrera

Since joining United in the summer, Herrera has struggled to settle in the Premier League due to injuries and the process of trying to adjust to a new league. However, I feel that he is an important player in the side due to his creativity and ability to keep the ball so well. Van Gaal is trying to build a possession based style of play at Old Trafford and if he is to pursue that, then he will surely mould a team together of Herrera-style players. Needs to improve on the physical aspect but could be a great United player for years to come.

Central Midfield: Angel Di Maria

One of the stars in the future United team. Di Maria was at the heart of Real Madrid’s Champions League success last season and perhaps a victim of their crazy transfer policy. He is undoubtedly amongst the very best players in the world on his day and should light up the Premier League for many years to come. In Spain he played in a central role (albeit as a CAM) and has played in midfield for his new employers on a couple of occasions this season. Rooney could always drop back into midfield if the Argentine goes out wide and tries to take players on. He certainly has the work rate to play in this role.

Central Attacking Midfielder: Wayne Rooney

The new United captain and soon to be club record goal scorer. Rooney is the heart beat of the team and has been for many years. Question marks were raised at the start of the season but recently his form has really picked up for both club and country. On his day still a top player, Rooney is surely central to all of Van Gaal’s plans at the Theatre of Dreams.

Striker: James Wilson

James Wilson

As I said previously, keeping an English core in the side is crucial for United and particularly if they are academy players like Wilson. Van Gaal likes the youngster and at the age of 19, seemingly has a great future ahead. Superb performances for the youth teams and a dream debut v Hull City have ensured that many now see him as the club’s future number 9. Amidst all these ‘Gaalacticos’, United have always given youth a chance and he would be a symbol of the clubs top academy. He would add a purer side to the Red Devils aside from all their mass spending.

Striker: Radamel Falcao

The Colombian has struggled so far in England mainly due to injuries but given the chance to build up his fitness, he is without a doubt world class. Despite Robin Van Persie’s recent good form, I believe that at his age United should ship him off next summer whilst they could still get some cash for him before he is past it. Falcao would cost a considerable amount of money but if he adds the goals which he has scored almost everywhere he has been, then he’ll be definitely worth the punt.

Manchester United Dream XI - Football tactics and formations