Goalkeeper
ARGUABLY THE POSITION most in doubt this season, as David De Gea’s future remains up in the air. With Iker Casillas having departed Real for Porto, the Spanish club appear confident of landing their man.
However, for now, it can only be assumed that De Gea will be a Man United player this coming season. If he does depart though, United will surely look for someone of Hugo Lloris’ calibre to replace their current number one, with 33-year-old Víctor Valdés — who has been left out of the Red Devils’ pre-season tour — unlikely to be considered for the top spot.
Defence
A highly competitive area, Marcos Rojo, Phil Jones, Jonny Evans, Chris Smalling and, potentially, Sergio Ramos, could all compete for the two centre-back slots in the coming season. Meanwhile, youngsters such as Paddy McNair and Tyler Blackett may well leave the club in either a loan or permanent deal, given the increased level of competition at the back.
Full-back remains similarly intriguing — Matteo Darmian is expected to be first-choice right-back given his recent big-money move, despite competition from Rafael and Antonio Valencia. Left-back seems more uncertain, though. Daley Blind could become a regular there, given that it is arguably his preferred position, while there has been a substantial increase in competition in central midfield.
Luke Shaw — despite an inconsistent and injury-ridden campaign last season — will also retain hopes of a regular starting berth. After all, the club paid £27 million for the player from Southampton only last season.
Midfield
Central midfield is now arguably the most competitive area in the United side — the Red Devils could field virtually an entire team of players with an ability to play in the position.
Given their age, as well as the fact that United spent so much money on them this summer, Morgan Schneiderlin and Bastian Schweinsteiger are likely to start as first choice. Nonetheless, as Angel Di Maria discovered last season, Van Gaal doesn’t automatically pick a player on the basis of his price tag, and so the duo will need to perform consistently to retain their places.
Juan Mata is probably the prime candidate to start in the more attacking role ahead of the sitting players, with the Spanish international impressing at times last season. However, Marouane Fellaini, Michael Carrick and Ander Herrera will all surely be expecting plenty of game time as well.
Attack
United have plenty of competition on the wings, with Angel Di Maria by no means guaranteed a starting spot owing to the recent form of a rejuvenated Ashley Young
(and assuming rumours of the Argentine international’s move to PSG come to nothing).
Similarly, Memphis Depay will be under constant pressure to impress, with Antonio Valencia, Adnan Januzaj, Juan Mata and Wayne Rooney all capable of doing a job on the right.
Furthermore, the central striker position is arguably where United’s options are most limited, with no obvious candidate apart from Wayne Rooney.
It is the main forward area where United will therefore surely be most keen to improve upon ahead of the transfer window’s closure, amid the departures of Javier Hernandez, Robin van Persie and Falcao, nevertheless both Marouane Fellaini and James Wilson are decent options if needed.
Formation: 4-2-1-3:
De Gea
Darmian Jones Rojo Blind
Schneidelin Schweinsteiger
Mata
Depay Rooney Di Maria
Subs: Valdes, Shaw, Smalling, Herrera, Young, Carrick, Fellaini.
