COUNTDOWN TO KICK-OFF 2015/16 UNITED BIG STAKES FOR GAMBLING LVG
UNITED’S fate for this season rests firmly with Louis van Gaal. One year in, the Dutch coach has imposed his mind and methods on the club – from the pre-season schedule to training facilities to the players.
Out of mind are those who disobeyed, disappointed or simply weren’t good enough. In are a quintet of talented, hungry additions that fit the philosophy, brought in with a shrewdness that defies both their approach 12 months ago and the general trend of Premier League clubs.
Pedro will also arrive, but United have said they are happy not to add another forward or centre- back. These are two big gambles that reinforce the autocratic theme, an approach not uncommon at top clubs but absent at United in recent years.
It is a big burden on Wayne Rooney’s shoulders to be tasked as the main centre-forward, something he was rarely trusted with last season.
The impact of Memphis Depay – who could be used wide left or behind Rooney – could be crucial in determining how successful the Reds are.
Equally, there remain question marks over Chris Smalling, Phil Jones, Marcos Rojo and Daley Blind at centre-back, with the latter only recently pushed into the mix owing to the coach’s preference for a left-footed player.
Whatever the outcome, the glory or the fall will be felt by Van Gaal. Pedro aside, the David de Gea situation is the only real outstanding issue.
If the Reds can hold onto the Spaniard they will get his best with Euro 2016 around the corner, although there is no guarantee he will earn quite as many points as last year.
There was a general consensus that United’s results were better than their performances last season. They will expect both to be better this time with considerably more fixtures, but there are positive signs that it can be.
Luke Shaw, Adnan Januzaj – both disappointing last term – and Andreas Pereira appear ready to make their mark.
Then there is the midfield, the real strength of the team. Bastian Sch- weinsteiger and Morgan Schneiderlin are both excellent additions and should ease responsibility on Michael Carrick.
Ander Herrera and Juan Mata showed their quality in the second half of last season, and Ashley Young and Marouane Fellaini should be very useful options off the bench.
Finding the pomp and swagger that saw them dismantle Tottenham, Liverpool and City last season is easily possible – United had the best record in games between the top seven last term.
If they can match that and improve their fluidity and urgency against lesser sides rather than passing themselves into a stalemate, United can challenge for the title.
But they are all big ifs. Over to you, Louis.
Memphis Depay is one of five new signings United have made this summer