4 things which could take Manchester United back to the pinnacle of the English game

by Pratik deshpande June 26, 2015

After a tantalizingly average season considering the Manchester United standards Louis Van Gaal will look to make amends and add silverware to his already glittery cupboard. For that to happen he need to redress some key issues

1. Striker to complement Rooney

Last season the United Captain was a revelation for United. He looked to lead from the front and he meant business right from the word go. He may hidden some of United frailties in front of goal but the truth is that he needs a partner who could lessen the burden of goal-scoring from his shoulders. Last Season Van Persie was more found on the doctor’s table than on the playing ground. No doubt he still possesses that glorious touch and still has it in him to provide that moment of magic but what if he breaks down in the middle of the season? Harry kane is a good prospect and had a terrific season for Tottenham last year. He could be a good value-addition to the squad.

2. Defense needs a shake-up

Van Gaal started the season with a 3-5-2 formation to utilize the “abundance of wingers” that he had at his disposal but soon the opposition started exploiting the open spaces left which used to completely expose United at the back. Van Gaal soon threw that idea out in the dustbin and reverted to the tried-and-tested 4-4-2. Another issue that hampered Van Gaal last season was an unsettled back four mainly due to injuries. He had to manufacture a back-four out of the available lot which had a massive impact on the co-ordination between the defenders. Jones and Smalling looks a solid pair at the back and should be persisted with barring any fitness concerns. Luke Shaw is a prodigal talent and his pace is a massive asset to United and gives an extra dimension to their game. Right-back is a dilemma for Van Gaal. Valencia fitted the bill perfectly last season but the fact remains that he is not a natural right-back and a visionary like Van Gaal should forecast that.

3. De Gea saga needs to be sorted

David De Gea was United’s best player last season. This speaks volumes of how shoddy United were at the back. After struggling to get to terms with the various nitty-gritties of the Premier League in his debut season De Gea adapted beautifully and certainly has become one of the lynchpins of United’s squad. Real has a history of snatching away “tried-and-tested” talents using their “money can buy everything” policy and De Gea will find it difficult to resist a mega-bumper offer from them.If and when De Gea decides to look for greener pastures(Real Madrid) it would be a huge headache for Van Gaal who not only would have search for a quality keeper but also make sure that he settles to the premier league at a drop off a hat. Van Gaals needs to quickly address that area.

4. Di Maria needs to find his mojo

After showing some early promise of his Real Madrid days Di Maria withered off to such an extent that he was confined to the Man United bench. Van Gaals needs to find an appropriate position for Di Maria as he is too good a player to be left out. Maybe a role behind Wayne Rooney might just spark off his creative juices.

It’s going to be an intriguing couple of months for United just before the start of the season.
Van Gaal will have to invest his money in the right stocks and would have to show the patience of a monk.First priority for him would be to win the Champions League qualifier as a slip-up over there could dent United’s confidence and fortunes precipitously. Interesting times ahead as another mouth-watering season awaits in August