Louis van Gaal’s Manchester United have endured, for the lack of a better word, a turbulent start to the season, not helped by the heap of injuries at the club including the latest addition of Luke Shaw to those already walking treatment rooms. Yes, the United team isn’t the finished article yet and needs yet more fresh faces in one or two positions, but injuries have done little to help van Gaal’s cause as he strives to revive United’s fortunes and get the club back to where they belong. Given a full strength squad to choose from, Louis van Gaal would have a number of quality options to give him a mild headache. Not a problem of plenty yet, but enough experience and quality to assemble a half decent team. With United’s luck with injuries this season and United fans yearning to see their best team take to the field, I decided to do some head scratching and select the strongest possible Manchester United XI this season. Here we go.
Goalkeeper: David De Gea
The Spanish shot-stopper is arguably the best keeper in the world at the moment, and for the United keeper to have been overlooked for FIFA’s best goalkeeper nomination would have surprised many. Two world class saves from Danny Welbeck and Jack Wilshere at the Emirates speaks volumes of his increasing maturity between the sticks. Not much to think here. De Gea pretty much picks himself.
Defence: Rafael da Silva, Phil Jones, Jonny Evans, Luke Shaw.
Antonio Valencia may have been doing an earnest job filling up Rafael’s boots at right back, but the diminutive Brazilian offers a different dimension to United’s attacking play. And error prone as he is, he’s still a better defensive option compared to Valencia.
Phil Jones is pretty much a veteran at the club now having signed more than 3 years back, but injuries have never allowed the young defender to progress. The talent is there, but it’s no good if you’re spending half the season on the treatment table. Jonny Evans may have had a shaky start to the season as he struggled to adapt to a back three, but remains United’s best centre half in many people’s eyes. Luke Shaw pips the inconsistent Rojo at left back.
Click on the next button to continue
Comments are closed.