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Louis van Gaal is three games into his managerial tenure at Manchester United and things are beginning to take shape already. Van Gaal has wasted no time in implementing his philosophy both on and off the pitch. He has been emphasising on the squad being unbalanced with too many playmakers and strikers in the team. Hence, he has decided to play with two strikers and a playmaker.
If the friendlies are anything to go by, he will implement the 3-5-2/5-3-2 formation. This is the formation that proved to be extremely successful for the Netherlands during the recently concluded World Cup. Playing a 3-5-2 involves playing 3 centre backs, two wing backs, a central midfield pairing of a defensive midfielder and a holding midfielder, one no. 10 and two strikers.
The one thing missing in this template is something which has been an integral part of United teams over the years – wing play. Some great wingers have graced Old Trafford over the years like Ryan Giggs and Cristiano Ronaldo but it seems they will be sacrificed in favour of wingbacks. In the pre-season friendlies, United have played with real intent in all parts of the pitch.
The defence has been solid, wing-backs have been solid if not amazing and the partnership of Mata and Rooney has combined really well. Even central midfield – which has been United's weak link for quite some time now – has been decent with Darren Fletcher and Ander Herrera putting in good shifts.
How van Gaal will probably fit players in this new-look formation
In goal, David de Gea is the undisputed starter. United's player of the year in the 2013/14 season. He will look to continue from where he left and look to establish himself as one of the best in the world. The back-three in front of him might involve a new face, with Arsenal captain Thomas Vermaelen linked. Phil Jones and Jonny Evans look set to be first choice which means that Vermaelen would directly compete with Chris Smalling for a spot in the starting XI. Michael Keane will look to get a few chances in the team as he's approaching an age where he should be competing along with first-choice defenders.
Wingbacks
At right wing back, Antonio Valencia and Rafael will challenge each other. Rafael had an injury plagued season and was nowhere near the form he showed in the previous season while Valencia has had two poor seasons in a row. Both will be hoping to regain form and fitness under van Gaal. Although Rafael is a more natural choice for a WB, his own injury problems could be his undoing.
On the other wing, new signing Luke Shaw will be the first choice wing back. Shaw, the most expensive teenager in the world, is an extremely bright prospect and is expected to more than just replace the departed Patrice Evra. Ashley Young and young Recce James will provide cover to him.
Midfield
Moving to central midfield, we could see an altogether new pairing. Ander Herrera has staked his claim for a place in the starting XI. And after his performances in the pre-season friendlies and an injury to Michael Carrick, he will more or less start. What remains to be seen is whether United can sign a midfielder before the Premier League kicks off. Arturo Vidal has been heavily linked for the majority of the summer. If not, Darren Fletcher will probably start though Tom Cleverly will be in contention.
If van Gaal stays true to his world and if Shinji Kagawa delivers, he might be the one partnering Herrera in central midfield. Van Gaal recently said that he knows Kagawa is best as a no.10, he might try him as DM or a CM. But this plan could backfire as Kagawa doesn't seem to be physically up for the challenge. Anderson looks likely to end his disastrous spell at United. Starting with a lot of promise, fitness issues and a change in position meant he never really got a long run in the starting XI.
Juan Mata will be the no. 10 for United, and in my opinion, he will be one around whom every attack will revolve and he will be one to make the side tick. Adnan Januzaj, who was one of the few bright points of last season, will move to a position where he thinks he can play to his maximum potential. Since there will be no place for out-and-out wingers, Januzaj will provide competition and back-up to Mata. This leaves Nani in no man's land, and will look to find another club, with Juventus and Milan interested. Nick Powell also might be sold, or loaned out again.
Strikers
Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie will be the two men up front, and United fans will be hoping to see the deadly partnership they have been hoping for since the Dutch striker arrived. Van Persie is also the favourite to wear the captain's armband since he was Van Gaal’s captain at the World Cup. Danny Welbeck will be a decent back-up to the two. Javier Hernandez looks set to leave the club after growing increasingly frustrated with a bench role for the past two seasons.
Will Keane could start the season as fourth choice striker, and will be looking to grab any chances if they come by. Fans will be hoping to see a bit of James Wilson this season, else he along with Tom Lawrence might be loaned out.
United will be front-runners for the league with a couple of solid signings. They have an obvious advantage over their other rivals due to their absence in the Champions League and will be hoping to take it like rivals Liverpool but go one step ahead of them. This season promises a lot for United fans.
