The news of the deal for Memphis Depay will come as a great antidote to the recent results at Manchester United, who have seriously struggled for form since outclassing the likes of Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea (despite defeat).
You could argue that, after employing the Fellaini tactic so brilliantly for a few weeks, at a crucial juncture of the season, United have been found out and muted.
But let’s not understate the tactical nous of Louis van Gaal. He has used what he has got pretty well and a win at Palace, twinned with defeat for Liverpool and Manchester United are guaranteed a place in the top four this season. Even draw for Liverpool at Chelsea will leave United in a virtually unassailable position as United have a vastly superior goal difference.
In his weekly press conference, United manager Louis van Gaal stated that Michael Carrick will miss the remaining three games of the season with injury, but that Luke Shaw is once more available. The Carrick news is a big blow but Shaw’s return at least gives LvG the option of playing Daley Blind in midfield.
LvG also stated that James Wilson and Marcos Rojo could return to the bench after injury.
We think that the current injury list, and the Carrick news, means that Louis would be better to adopt a 4-2-3-1 with Rooney in the hole behind RvP. This way Rooney can drop deep and help Blind in the midfield when necessary. Marouane Fellaini has arguably been found out after a recent surge in form and he drops out of our side.
With all this in mind, here is Manchester United’s best XI vs a reinvigorated Crystal Palace (Kick Off Saturday 17:30 Local Time).
United fans: Let’s have your thoughts.
