This has to be the most eagerly awaited Manchester United game in years. Almost two weeks after the transfer window closed we still haven’t had a peak at United’s raft of new stars. And speculation has been rife about how Louis van Gaal will set his team up.
But, while a few players will come and go from the ‘best’ team as the season progresses, Van Gaal already has his best eleven in mind and the team sheet on Saturday will give a fascinating insight into how he will utilise his new squad.
Formation
Sports journalists fromThe Daily Mail were this week asked to give their opinion on Manchester United’s strongest XI.
Interestingly, only 2 of the 14 selected the 3-5-2 formation with which LvG started the season.
While we think think the 4-3-3 could be used in future, we like the idea of the 3-5-2 and think that it might prove the best way to shoehorn all of United’s best players into the team.
Unless there is a critical shortage of defenders this weekend – Phil Jones and Chris Smalling could well be out – then we think that Louis will stick to a 3-5-2.
Defence – Marcos Rojo, Daley Blind, Rafa and Luke Shaw are now available for selection. In a 3-5-2 we can see Shaw getting his competitive Manchester United debut at left wingback and Marcos Rojo playing on the left of the three in place of Tyler Blackett. It may sound controversial to some but we would put Di Maria in as an advanced right wing back where his quality wing play and superb engine will be gratefully received by the forward line.
Midfield – Michael Carrick doesn’t look too far away from a return to fitness now but Daley Blind should take his place in the hub of the midfield to shield the defence and start attacks. Ahead of him LvG can pick any two of Herrera, Fletcher, Mata, Anderson, Di Maria and even Rooney. We think that Rooney and Herrera should get the nod as the players to slot in behind the front two. Mata may have to suffer the bench, although we would select him instead of Herrera in an ultra attacking line up.
Up Top – Every time you mention the names of Falcao, RvP, Di Maria and Rooney it’s difficult to stop the mouth from watering. Say what you like about the defence. But Manchester United have an attacking tradition to uphold. It simply wasn’t there last season and the new signings are an absolute breath of fresh air.
Going out onto the field of play with the aim of simply outscoring the opposition is easily the most entertaining way of playing football – and it’s marvellous for the spectators.
For many reasons then, this game can hardly come quickly enough.
Let’s see Angel di Maria tearing Germany apart almost single handedly from the right flank while we wait.
