Watching Holland vs Spain on Friday night was not only a wonderful example of how good the game can be as a spectacle but also a fascinating and encouraging insight into the tactics of new Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal.
What a fantastic game it was and what a brilliant result for Holland who played in a compact formation but were utterly explosive on the break. Perhaps this is why LvG isn’t so bothered about signing high profile players such as Kroos and Fabregas this summer. Perhaps many of the answers for Manchester United lie within this Holland squad.
Even though the game was actually pretty even Holland took their chances and Spain didn’t. Cutting edge up top proved to be the main difference between the two on the night.
Van Gaal’s 3-5-2 formation, with two wing backs, is one that Manchester United fans become accustomed to over the next few years.
We have already made predictions about a potential Manchester United side under LvG but seeing Holland’s youthful side play against the elite of Europe gave us an even better insight into how things might pan out at United next season.
It is impossible to imagine that Manchester United won’t start next season with at least a couple of these Holland lads in their starting eleven.
We think that Bruno Martins Indi was a superstrong defender for Holland who’s also blessed with great mobility and pace.
It was also impossible not to notice the achievements of Daley Blind who delivered cross after cross of perfection from the left hand side.
There has also been talk of Arjen Robben coming to Manchester United. It’s worth pointing out that the player himself has said he will stay in Germany but who knows what might happen with him enjoying playing alongside van Persie so much.
And LVG has said in the past that his integral players are Robin van Persie, Robben and the currently injured Kevin Strootman. We could definitely see the young Dutch midfielder having a future at Manchester United once he has recovered as the team is desperate for a dynamic box to box midfielder who can score the odd goal.
So let’s try and give you a realistic interpretation of how Manchester United look 6 months into LvG’s rein with a few of those dazzling Dutch players in the fold.
Manchester United fans: would you be happy with this starting lineup?
Manchester United:(5-3-2) De Gea, Rafael, Vermaelen, Jones, Martins Indi, Shaw – Strootman, Rooney, Mata – Robben, RvP
Adekoyayusuf
Jun 19, 2014 at 5:45 pm
I wish lvg success at united