PREMIER LEAGUE 2015/16 PREVIEW: Manchester United
By Lee Kilby
"It has been a very productive and successful summer for Manchester United. Louis Van Gaal is now one year into a three-year contract and he is in the process of making Manchester United his team. More from Manchester UnitedFour forwards Manchester United might like to replace Cristiano RonaldoCristiano Ronaldo hits out at Manchester UnitedAston Villa vs. Man United: How Erik ten Hag can replace Bruno FernandesReal Sociedad 0-1 Manchester United: Three talking pointsA few pointers to the Cristiano Ronaldo issue at Manchester United"
When Van Gaal joined United a year ago, he described the team as ‘unbalanced’. One year later, he has now fixed the issue. United lacked quality midfielders last season to compete for the Premier League title, with Wayne Rooney often having drop back and play in midfield. However, this transfer window, Van Gaal looks to have eradicated the problem. He has not only brought in quality midfielders, but he has brought in a leader – Bastian Schweinsteiger.
Over the past couple of seasons, United have lost several leaders – both on and off the field – who have helped United achieve so much success recently. Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Rio Ferdinand, Partice Evra and Nemanja Vidic have all either retired or left the club over the past two years. All of these players have captained United at some point in their careers and these players were not only leaders on the field, but also off the field.
Immediately after retiring, Ryan Giggs became Louis Van Gaal’s assistant manager and looks to be a future United manager. He remains a role model for many players at Old Trafford and he still has a big influence on the team.
Last season, United lacked leaders, but the signing of Schweinsteiger is a very important one. He can bring stability and consistency to Untied’s midfield. Schweinsteiger is the captain of the current World Champions, Germany, and has won almost every trophy available, he will definitely be an important signing for United this season.
In pre-season, Memphis Depay has looked like an inspired signing by Van Gaal. Depay has formed a good partnership with Rooney and he looks to be a certain starter for United this season. With Angel Di Maria looking more likely that he will move to PSG, Depay looks like the kind of player who can thrive under Louis Van Gaal.
Juan Mata was a stand out players for United last season. Van Gaal placed Mata on the wing, a position he excelled in. Mata is expected to establish his position in the starting 11 this season and continue his good form.
Morgan Schneiderlin was a stand-out player for Southampton for his tackling and ability to break up play from the middle, but he is comfortable on the ball and can pass well. Schneiderlin can play either directly in front of the back four or slightly further forward, still in a defensive position. Schneiderlin with complement Schweinsteiger in midfield and these two could form a formidable partnership for seasons to come.
Van Gaal has said he is happy with his strike force going into this season. Wayne Rooney will be United’s main striker with Adnan Januzaj, James Wilson and Chicharito all expected to play an important role. Chicharito has recently returned from his loan at Real Madrid, although he was expected to leave, the departures of Radamel Falcao and Robin Van Persie look to have given him a second chance at United.
David De Gea looks like he will stay at United for another season and United fans will be hoping he decides to extend his Old Trafford career. Louis Van Gaal has brought in Argentina goalkeeper Sergio Romero to compete with De Gea for the number 1 jersey.
The Red Devils have Chris Smalling, Phil Jones, Marcos Rojo, Jonny Evans, Paddy McNair and Tyler Blackett as their current senior centre-backs. However, United need to sign another centre back to compete for the Premier League title. He would need to be a top class player with experience. Sergio Ramos has been linked with United but that deal now appears unlikely due to Real Madrid not willing to sell their captain. Other options include Argentina central defender Nicolas Otamendi.
With United back in the Champions League and the new kit deal with Adidas has brought in a lot more revenue to the club, with a lot of the money being invested into the team.
Barcelona winger Pedro has been strongly linked with United this summer. He has a £22 million buy-out clause in his contact and he would be a perfect replacement for Angel Di Maria – should he complete a transfer to PSG.
Manchester United are aiming for the Premier League title this season, and for a team of their stature and history, that is precisely what they should be aiming for. United haven’t won a trophy for two years now, which is a long time for United’s fans and the United Hierarchy. With Louis Van Gaal, United have an experienced manager who knows how to win titles, and with the signings he has made so far United fans will be aiming high this season and so they should be.
This United team is beginning to look like a title-winning team. Their pre-season tour of the United States has been a success. Louis Van Gaal has given his new signings and youth players the opportunity to show what they can do and Van Gaal will be able to see which players deserve to start the season opener on 8th August against Tottenham. Not to mention defeating Barcelona – the Champions League winners. This would give the team a welcome boost for the new season and it shows United have the capabilities to compete with the very best.