With Memphis Depay locked in to add some speed and flair to their push for Premier League glory next season, Manchester United are already forming a new look for 2015-16, and it's expected Louis van Gaal will not stop there.
Borussia Dortmund's Mats Hummels is tipped to be brought in to shore things up at the back and his team-mate Ilkay Gundogan is also fancied for the Red Devils midfield, although there is competition from Arsenal and Bayern Munich for his services.
With Southampton's Nathaniel Clyne also strongly linked with Old Trafford, here is how Van Gaal's starting XI could look... provided they can retain the services of superb keeper David de Gea.
MANCHESTER UNITED'S POSSIBLE LINE-UP FOR 2015-16
(3-4-1-2)
DAVID DE GEA
United are hopeful he will agree a £200,000-a-week contract to remain their No 1 come August. Has been pivotal to their season and will only get better. The lure of Real Madrid will not go away though and trophies will be key to keeping him at Old Trafford.
CHRIS SMALLING
Has improved this season and is beginning to resemble the centre-half many predicted he would become. Has been assured and confident in possession and deserved his new contract. His pace will be important alongside the slower Mats Hummels.
MATS HUMMELS
Borussia Dortmund anticipate United firming up interest in the Germany international with a formal offer over the coming days. Hummels has not had the best season but his experience and physical presence should make United more solid in defence.
MARCOS ROJO
Adds the balance to the left side of United's defence that Louis van Gaal likes and can bring the ball out to link up with midfield and the left hand flanks. Has the accustomed nasty streak of Argentine defenders and can add goals from set-pieces.
NATHANIEL CLYNE
United will add a new right back and have considered Seamus Coleman at Everton. Clyne though has shown more willingness to move to Old Trafford. He is due to make a decision on his future next week and has more defensive know-how than winger Antonio Valencia.
MICHAEL CARRICK
Absolute key to Louis van Gaal's formation and philosophy. Keeps the ball moving and provides the defence with a regular outlet. United will need to find a replacement as grows older with the likes of Ilkay Gundogan, Marco Verratti and Kevin Strootman all possibles.
ILKAY GUNDOGAN
Borussia Dortmund midfielder is fancied by United although they have concerns about his fitness following a succession of injuries. He is a good all-rounder, has good vision and passing ability; He wants to leave but Bayern Munich and Arsenal also have an interest.
LUKE SHAW
His performance against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge gave Van Gaal an exciting glimpse of what he had been missing. Shaw needs to work on his fitness to play a full season but has great ability to beat a man and cross like United full backs of old.
ANGEL DI MARIA
United's huge investment means the Argentine will get another chance to shine at the start of next season and could find himself in a free role at the head of United's midfield allowing him to drift out wide and alternate with United's wing-backs and Depay.
WAYNE ROONEY
The talisman. Has grown again this season in terms of shouldering responsibility and leadership while Van Gaal has been forced to recognise his importance as a striker. United will add more competition but Rooney will lead from the front once again.
No comments:
Post a Comment