Manchester United: Sign Strootman, Sell Welbeck And Offer This Winger A Way Back Into The First Team Next Season

For as long as I can remember, Louis van Gaal has set his teams up in a 4-3-3 formation, with an emphasis on counter-attacking football. Looking at the players currently available to Manchester United it is obvious that they will struggle to succeed in that formation, so here are a couple of changes that I would like to see from the Netherlands boss.

The first thing I would do is make a move for Roma’s Kevin Strootman, who van Gaal coaches in the Dutch squad.

Strootman is a bit of an all-rounder, but doesn’t necessarily specialise in anything in particular. He plays in the middle of the park, keeps the ball moving and also chips in with goals. He completed 88% of his overall balls in Serie A last season, claimed six assists and scored five goals.

With Michael Carrick, Marouane Fellaini and Strootman in a central triangle, it would allow the front three to strut their stuff without restrictions.

The wingers also have a lot to do in his system, and I think Nani could be restored to what he once was. United will need wingers that aren’t scared of taking defenders on, can transition amongst themselves and chip in with goals – Nani ticks those boxes.

He signed a new deal when David Moyes arrived at the club and it would be a shame to get rid of him.

The final thing I want to mention is the role of Danny Welbeck – I just don’t see how he fits in at the club. United have Adnan Januzaj, Ashley Young, Antonio Valencia, Shinji Kagawa and Juan Mata available on the wing, and Wayne Rooney, Robin van Persie and Javier Hernandez in attack, I don’t see any room for Welbeck.

If I was in charge of the club, I would be looking to shift him on.