Louis van Gaal is his own person and he is commendably trying to install his own imprint and identity on his new side, but as David Moyes found out, courage does not count for much these days.
Van Gaal needs to play a more conservative brand of football, to play for clean sheets while building confidence. It is a simple equation, do not concede goals and you won’t lose games.
At this point United are in disarray at the back and the Premier League is not the platform to learn new tactics.
With the recent signing of Angel Di Maria for a British transfer record from Madrid, United simply need to play to their strengths – Robin van Persie, Rooney and Juan Mata, with the addition of Di Maria adding firepower. The rest of the team need to show discipline and cohesion, which has been missing since Sir Alex Ferguson retired.
It’s back to basics for United, they need to reinforce the middle of the park with two men in front of the back four. These midfielders will give the back four the stability they lacked this season. It will consolidate the structure and keep possession in the middle of the park for their stars to push forward.
They need to build from the back and luckily United have a defensive line with balance. Though untested in the Premier League, Marcos Rojo’s pace and flare is something no defender at the club possesses and will give Van Gaal a sense of security. Phil Jones next to him needs to provide some direction, but with time the Argentinean should assimilate fine.
In front of the back four sits Michael Carrick at deep. The 33-year–old has the ability to read the game like no other in the squad. Carrick has the capacity to control the tempo of the side and more importantly is disciplined. He will provide the composure they desperately need at the moment in the most crucial area of the pitch.
Next to Carrick would be former Everton star Marouanne Fellaini. Despite his abysmal season last year under Moyes, the big Belgian still has the ability to turn a game. His sheer size and attacking flair provide United a physical injection through the middle of the park,while offering Rooney more space up the field. However it is equally vital to maintain his defensive duties.
Rooney has evolved from United’s main striker to become their number 10. He has developed a sense of maturity while developing an uncanny ability to involve his teammates. With the two centre midfielders behind him for cover, Rooney can be unleashed. His ability to pick out a pass from deep will be the key to the success of Mata and Di Maria.
Mata won the Champions League in 2012 predominantly playing in the centre for Chelsea. The little Spaniard has an incredible first touch and the ability to pick out the right pass in the box. Mata needs to be on the right to better utilise Rooney in the squad but his lack of defensive work means the middle will be too much for him on his own.
On the right, Mata would be able carry the ball high, get involved with the interplay with Rooney, or cut in and shoot with his favourable left foot. His recent goal-scoring record suggests that he can provide 15 goals a season and just as many assists.
Their new signing on the other side is one of world football’s best dribblers. He has the ability to turn a game on its head with his pace and control. Di Maria is obviously not Premier League proven but his class should justify the price tag.
Finally there is the ageing Van Persie. Coming off a year riddled with injuries, RVP had a decent World Cup and should be primed for the new season. Through the first two games of the campaign Van Persie sat much deeper in the formation. His amazing one touch finishes which carried United to Premier League success in his first season are not possible from where he is being used.
RVP needs to remain as their target man in the middle of the box. At times he has drifted to the wings, turning provider in a team that seems clueless. He hesitates to run into the box because of his lack of trust with his midfielders.
I understand some might argue with this and attack the conservative style of play notion because it’s not as attractive. Furthermore, summer signing Ander Herrera has been left out, but sacrifices need to be made. They need to go back to basics and for that to happen they need to build from the back.
United fans, you still have a great side, perhaps a side that will make top four this year, but for that to happen your manager needs to play to their strengths.
Van Gaal has been blessed with amazing players in the past, now he needs to demonstrate amazing management.
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