Our series of 2015-16 Premier League team previews continue with big-spending Manchester United looked at ahead of a defining season for Louis Van Gaal.
Summer transfers
It has been another busy summer at Old Trafford.
United have added promising youngster Memphis Depay, right back Matteo Darmian, goalkeeper Sergio Romero and midfield pairing Bastian Schweinsteiger and Morgan Schneiderlin, with Javier Hernandez also returning from loan.
Following last year’s mad dash to acquire as much talent as possible, Louis van Gaal has been far more selective in his second summer in charge.
Only surplus players Robin van Persie and Radamel Falcao are the only noticeable departures.
However, this could quickly change with last year’s player of the season David De Gea and record transfer Angel Di Maria likely to leave before the end of the transfer window.
After a promising start, United’s transfer dealings look far from complete.
Last season
It was often hard to get an accurate read on United last season.
Their worst form was very poor as they combined a makeshift defence with an ineffective attack. Eventually Van Gaal’s philosophy got through to the players and for a brief stretch the swagger and attacking flair of old appeared to have returned.
But even as Van Gaal settled on his best XI, there was still the feeling he was getting to know his squad.
Their 4th placed finish in the league and a disappointing quarter final loss to Arsenal in the FA Cup was probably a fair return on what was an up-and-down season.
Manager
There is no question that Louis van Gaal possesses one of the finest tactical minds in world football.
It appeared at times last year that Van Gaal and his players were singing from different hymn sheets. His preferred 3-5-2 never clicked and United clearly played their best football after switching to a more conventional 4-3-3.The veteran manager looks set to persist with the 4-3-3 this season.
Despite their light fixture load last season, Van Gaal was often forced to experiment with players out of position due to a horror injury run and form issues for key players.
Expectations will be significantly higher on the Dutchman this year as United look to reassert themselves in the Champions League and make up ground on the top sides in the Premier League.
Louis van Gaal – ‘Hello, Hello, hey, pay attention to the manager!’ #MUFC #LVG #mufcpoty (Vine by @TurkzZ) https://t.co/o7wHnrIbyc
— Declan Gowran (@Gowran_D) August 2, 2015
Strengths
Once an area of concern, United’s central midfield is now the squads finest feature.
It is telling that Michael Carrick aside, United’s entire midfield brigade have arrived in the post-Ferguson era.
Ander Herrera was sensational last season, developing a strong and promising connection with compatriot Juan Mata.
New arrivals Morgan Schneiderlin and Bastian Schweinsteiger look set to contribute immediately.
When healthy, Carrick is still an automatic choice and Daley Blind demonstrated admirable qualities filling in when required.
Van Gaal even managed to get the most out of the previously maligned Marouane Fellaini. In this department United are spoilt for choice.
Weaknesses
Central defence still looks to be an area of concern for United.
The Red Devils are not short of options with Phil Jones, Chris Smalling, Marcos Rojo, Daley Blind, Paddy McNair and Jonny Evans all capable of filling in.
The question is whether one pairing can form the bond necessary to provide stability and consistency at the back.
Of more tactical concern will be the squad’s lack of pace. United is not short of attacking and midfield talent but may be exposed as slightly one paced, especially in the Champions League.
Key player
Last season United’s striking options swelled to the point where they were forced into making the short-sighted decision to let Danny Welbeck leave.
This season there is no confusion as to who will be leading United’s line.
Wayne Rooney’s debut season as captain was impressive.
His leadership and eye for goal are often underrated qualities and he should have plenty of opportunity to exhibit them this year.
With little depth behind him, the pressure will be on Rooney to deliver a 20-goal campaign.
If Rooney can recapture some of his best form United have the makings of a very strong side.
At 29, the Englishman could be entering the most important season of his entire career.
Best XI:
(4-3-3): David De Gea; Matteo Darmian, Chris Smalling, Marcos Rojo, Daley Blind; Bastian Schweinsteiger, Michael Carrick, Morgan Schneiderlin; Juan Mata, Wayne Rooney, Memphis Depay.
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Prediction
If everything goes right, United are capable of challenging Chelsea, City and Arsenal for the Premier League. However the amount of ground they need to make up on last season should not be underestimated. It is hard to get an accurate gauge from preseason friendlies but United’s signings look good and the team should be a good deal better than last season.
Problems in the centre of midfield have been thoroughly and sensibly addressed. Memphis Depay and Adnan Januzaj have the talent to ignite a title charge. With Luke Shaw looking set to build on his impressive summer and the astute acquisition of Darmian could establish United’s strongest full back combination in nearly a decade. But the centre back combination still looks shaky and questions will remain the longer De Gea saga drags on.
The Red Devils also have precious little depth behind Wayne Rooney. This is a talented and capable squad and the pressure will be on Van Gaal to get the most of his players but a top four finish remains the bare minimum.
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