Manchester United have been haunted by injuries since the start of the season. Fans have been tearing their hair apart, awaiting their star players to make returns from their respective injuries. Just as one thinks that a player will be back, another player gets injured. This succession of injuries has hurt the balance of the team, as Manchester United have been unable to maintain the same line-up from game to game, which has dented their confidence and has led to changes in the formation from time-to-time. The spate of injuries has not allowed Louis van Gaal to make long-term plans, as he has had to cope with each injury and make strategies, each game at a time, as has been reflected in the fact that the same defence has not played together in more than three games at a stretch. The problem has been that the important players and their bench replacements have been injured at the same time, which has left United with empty positions on the pitch, with no players to play, as in the case of their defence. United have always had a bunch of injury-prone players – Chris Smalling, Phil Jones, Jonny Evans – but a crisis of this magnitude was not expected.
The current side that Louis van Gaal has does not need an overhaul; they received their overhaul in the summer when the likes of Angel di Maria, Daley Blind, Marcos Rojo and Ander Herrera were brought to the club. The problem with the United squad is that they have been carrying deadwood – Anderson, Ashley Young and others whose United careers should have ended years ago. There was a time under Sir Alex Ferguson when a player at the top of his game was shipped out if he lacked the hunger or drive to succeed, which is what kept United ticking and winning more and more. Players who are over the hill in the form of Robin van Persie, Michael Carrick or Darren Fletcher have to be let go, even if they have served United well in the past.
Goalkeeper:
David de Gea – He has been United’s savior on too many occasions to recount. His command over his box, and the level he has now reached, in comparison to what he was when he got here, added to the recent goalkeeper woes of other top clubs, should make United hold out for him and not let him leave.
Defenders:
Rafael –
Phil Jones
Raphael Varane
Marcos Rojo
The area which United struggled throughout this season. However good van Gaal’s tactics are, the Dutchman needs some world class defenders especially in central defence who can execute his plans. Addition of someone young and also experienced chap like Raphael Varane would bring lot of calmness to the United defence. Shaw needs to work on his fitness and work-rate or Rojo may steal his left back spot. Along with Phil Jones and Rafael, this defence will be finally strong enough to handle most of the opponents in the league.
Midfielders:
Daley Blind
Xherdan Shaqiri
Marouane Fellaini
Angel di Maria
Not much additions needed here with the likes of consistent performers like Blind and di Maria in the squad but some explosive dribblers like Shaqiri would add lot of variety in the squad. Shaqiri is constantly linked with a premier league move and United would be a perfect place for as he won’t face much competition for places as players like Young, and Januzaj are unlikely to challenge him for starting spots. Fellaini’s recent form means he is like a brand new signing for the Red Devils.
Forwards:
Wayne Rooney
Robin van Persie
Nothing to say here. They already have a breath-taking striker force. Rooney and RVP would still be the favorites to start most of the games. Falcao needs to comeback strongly to break into startling lineup.
Further boosts: William Carvalho, Wesley Sneijder, Gerard Pique, Zakaria Bakkali.