Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal may be having nightmares over his defence this season as his shakey stoppers continue to underwhelm.
But, while that area of the team still needs major surgery, the Maverick Dutchman has at least given Manchester United a midfield once more.
The game against Stoke wasn’t the best example of this transformation. But, by bringing Wayne Rooney and Juan Mata back a little further into the midfield, the team now has to the sort of creativity that it has lacked for years. Add Carrick and Blind to the roster and you once more have a midfield to be scared of.
Last season, in particular, there was a gaping hole in the middle of the park and Manchester United seemed to regularly bypass the central third of the pitch completely. It certainly did nothing to improve their game. And while there is still improvement to be made in the engine room, there are at least options available for Manchester United defenders to make a short pass again.
You could argue that this set up didn’t work in Manchester United’s last game. We would counter that the frequency of matches and the windy weather conditions didn’t help the overall quality. Let’s see how Rooney et al progress in better conditions and with some much needed rest before The Premier League resumes next weekend.
But, overall, the midfield finally has a decent balance of craft and graft once again. With Herrera still to bed in and Fellaini improving, things look pretty healthy in this department.
Manchester United fans: Is it right to play Wayne Rooney in midfield?
