Manchester United’s Dream XI To Play Post January Transfer Window

Manchester United and Louis van Gaal have endured a difficult start to the season, barely helped by the heap of injuries to several first team players, most noticeably at the back where they have looked vulnerable all season. The Dutchman insisted at the beginning of the season that their massive spending spree wouldn’t necessarily guarantee instant success and that his players would need time to adapt to his philosophy. A new ideology, a new system aside, Manchester United still don’t look like a finished article and could do with one or two new players in the January transfer window. With the stature of the club, and with the amount of money that has been spent and with that at stake thanks to big-ticket sponsorship deals, United cannot afford another season out of Europe’s most elite competition. United NEED to spend in one or two PROVEN names. Players who will seamlessly fit into the system.

Let’s take at a possible Manchester United post the January transfer window.

Goalkeeper:

David De Gea

The Spaniard has well and truly established himself as United’s No.1 and one of the best in the world between the sticks. Victor Valdes’ signing, if it happens, would do little to unsettle the outstanding De Gea.

Defenders:

Rafael, Hummels, Jones, Shaw.

Rafael is undoubtedly an indispensable asset at right back, his attacking forays down the right flank lend United an added dimension to their attacking play. If United come calling, Mats Hummels will have a choice to make between relegation-threatened Dortmund and an offer to play for one of the world’s greatest clubs with a challenging project up ahead. United need a top-draw, experienced centre back. Hummels fits the bill perfectly, if at all he is lured away from Westfalenstadion. Phil Jones, if fit, should be preferred over the error-prone Chris Smalling and the inconsistent Jonny Evans. Luke Shaw will edge out Marcos Rojo at left back.

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Midfield

Carrick/Blind, Strootman, Di Maria, Mata.

Michael Carrick or Daley Blind are both capable of sitting at the base of the diamond, while Van Gaal will look to secure the signing of long-term target Kevin Strootman. Strootman’s box-to-box style of play will add that much needed balance United have been lacking for the longest time. Angel Di Maria’s best position is through the middle in a midfield three where he gets more time and space on the ball to be able to influence the game, while Juan Mata should take his place at the tip of the diamond.

Forwards

Wayne Rooney, Falcao/Van Persie.

Wayne Rooney is the heartbeat of the team and SHOULD play further up the pitch, will all the ability he has. Van Gaal will have a tough choice to make between Radamel Falcao or his compatriot Robin van Persie. Falcao is a beast in the box and with Di Maria and Mata around, he will get chances in plenty. Robin van Persie, despite the recent criticism, remains one of the world’s most technically gifted forwards with an eye for goal like no other. Only can play with Rooney up top. A problem of plenty for the experienced Dutchman.