One look at the table and you would think that things would be rosy in the Manchester United camp. They are currently in fourth place in the Premier League, are in the Quarter Finals of the FA Cup and have lost just twice since December. While their run of results has been good, without being great, their performances haven’t been anywhere near what should be.
For two decades, the Red Devils have not only dominated the league, but also played, breathtaking attacking football. So far this season, they haven’t been able to do that. While some of it is down to the injuries that they have had to deal with, others are simply the result of Louis Van Gaal still struggling to find his first XI. So many different formations have been tried out but none have functioned smoothly. So, in a bid to help the Dutchman and make United better to watch, here is my what I think his strongest side is, which should take to the field, barring any injuries until the end of the season.
Goalkeeper : David De Gea
Amidst the constant flux that has been United’s starting XI, there has only been one constant. And that has been the Spaniard, who has started every league game this season. While the defense has, on more than one occasion put him in trouble, De Gea has stood firm and has kept nine clean sheets this season. And the main reason why United have the third best defensive record in the league is down to him and he will crucial especially in the upcoming games, where he will be under far more pressure consistently.
Defense : Antonio Valencia – Chris Smalling – Marcos Rojo – Luke Shaw
At the start of the season, if you had asked me what was United’s problem position, I would have said right back. But such has been Valencia’s form that it has seldom been a concern. Central defense has understandably been the side’s major concern and although they haven’t conceded as many goals as some thought, that has been down to the brilliance of De Gea, more than anything else.
Phil Jones is arguably the pick of the defenders, but his injury-prone nature means that Chris Smalling takes the role of the right-sided center back. Jonny Evans will now be unavailable for the next month after being found guilty of spitting. While the central defender’s behavior is certainly unpardonable, it might be a blessing in disguise for United as it will mean that Rojo can start at center back with Shaw taking over at left back. With those on the left side, it gives the defense much more balance, which has been a problem at times, when Van Gaal has played a right-footed player on the left side.
Central Midfield : Michael Carrick – Daley Blind
One of the problems United have encountered this season, is an inability to find the right balance in midfield. Although Carrick and Blind haven’t played together this season and are slightly similar in how they play, playing them both together will give the side plenty of options. In the big games, not only would it give them more control in midfield, but would also serve as a defensive shield and give the full backs, more license to bomb forward as they have cover, from not one but two players.
Attacking Midfield : Angel Di Maria – Juan Mata – Ashley Young
As poor as he has been this in the past few games, Di Maria is merely suffering from a lack of confidence. Perhaps a game or two on the bench will do him some good and get him back in the groove for the final run of games. Mata has been the unfortunate victim in the last few games and he deserves his place, simply for his ability to pick out the right pass and vision in the final third. Young has been a player reborn this season and deserves his spot on the left of a three-man attacking midfield.
What this trio gives United is versatility in attack. Both Young and Di Maria can swap flanks and the unpredictability they create, can cause problems, especially against the top sides. And with Mata in the middle, they have someone, who has the guile and who can, if needed be swapped for Marouane Fellaini, if they decide to play more direct.
Striker : Wayne Rooney
All season long, supporters have been clamoring for Rooney to be moved up front. A combination of an injury to Robin Van Persie and poor performances from Radamel Falcao have finally forced Van Gaal’s hands and that is already proving to be a good move. Over the past few seasons, Rooney has consistently shown that he is the side’s best finisher and now that he has been given the opportunity to play up front, he is showing that Van Gaal certainly has a 20-goal a season striker.
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