What Manchester United's lineup could look like next season

Last summer saw Manchester United spend £150 million to acquire some world class talent. The club had to overpay for some players because it could not give them opportunities to play European football this season. A new manager in the form of Louis van Gaal inspired confidence and optimism amongst the new arrivals and established club veterans alike. But this extravagantly assembled squad is yet to achieve its full potential.The squad is yet to figure out its best formation and most effective style of play. The strikers Radamel Falcao and Robin van Persie do not have a working partnership yet and Wayne Rooney has been relocated to a midfield position where he seems unlikely to utilize all his attacking talents. Angel Di Maria, one of the best midfielders in the world, is being played in different capacities in every match.Van Gaal’s insistence on playing three defenders at the back is not well suited to the Manchester United way and this sort of experimentation has left fans frustrated. Fans find the club in third place but have had to endure frustrating performances.To further boost their chances of competing on the continental front for titles, United should look to bring in a new bunch of players who will strengthen key positions on the pitch.

#1 Will David De Gea stay?

David De Gea is definitely United’s biggest asset at the moment and has consistently performed at the highest level this season, assuring 3 points in some very anxious games. Real Madrid are definitely interested and will table an outrageous bid in their pursuit of De Gea but United need to complete all negotiations and cement his place in goal for the next couple of seasons at least.

De Gea’s abilities have grown over the last two seasons. His positioning, reflexes and ball distribution have made him one of the best shot-stoppers in the game. The Spaniard has started in all 25 games in the Premier League making 69 saves, some critical enough to help United find themselves amongst the Champions League spots at this stage of the season.

At a time when United’s back four are struggling to keep teams at bay, De Gea’s presence is crucial to the club’s hopes for silverware. After arriving from Atletico Madrid for £17.5 million, it now looks like Real Madrid will break the £50 million barrier to sign the goalkeeper. But no matter what price is offered, letting De Gea go will prove to be a sacrifice for Manchester United.

#2 Signing Mats Hummels a must

Germany’s World Cup winning centre back has been on United’s radar for a long time. With Borussia Dortmund having a dismal season in the Bundesliga, Hummels will look to make a move to greener pastures. Manchester United have scouted the centre back since last summer and will look to finally close the deal.

Jürgen Klopp will have little to hold Hummels back. Dortmund are currently 15th in the league fighting to stay in the German top flight. Only a miracle can guarantee them European football next season. Manchester United, on the other hand, look likely to finish in the top four in the Premier League.

Manchester United were unsuccessful in acquiring the services of the centre back in the January transfer window. Having anchored the defence in Germany’s World Cup winning campaign, the Dortmund skipper can galvanise United’s defence. He could also play a part in the development of fellow defenders – Phil Jones, Luke Shaw and Chris Smalling – who are currently in the budding stages of their careers.

Hummels will bring experience into the defence, something the team has lacked since the departure of Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand. The Manchester giants may have to shell out over £30 million, but it will be a purchase worth the cost.

#3 Kevin Strootman

The potential arrival of Dutch central defensive midfielder Kevin Strootman is yet another transfer that has been looming large for a long time. The Dutchman is known for his efficient passing and ball control. Strootman’s excellent tackling ability has been key to Roma’s defensive sturdiness this season and United fans, excited by the prospective transfer, have compared the midfielder to club legend Roy Keane.

Even though Strootman plays in a similar position as Daley Blind, he offers better quality and is more reliable. Louis van Gaal may choose to start Blind alongside Strootman or have him come off the bench to bolster the defence in tight matches. Strootman’s natural physical stature coupled with his tenacity will hold the key to Manchester United’s defensive capabilities in the dying minutes of a football match.

His tackles may not be pretty but they are crucial. Time and again, Strootman has conceded yellow cards for tackles in the last quarter of the game in order to prevent the opposition from getting back into the match. This is something United desperately need at the moment.

Strootman can also be instrumental in attack, bringing the ball forward and helping the attacking midfielders. Clearly versatile, he will bring a lot to the table and help Louis van Gaal fight for the title next season.

#4 Paul Pogba

Paul Pogba will always be remembered as the one that got away. Having left United in 2012 after failing to get sufficient game time, Pogba has become a sensation for Juventus. He is amongst the most highly rated midfielders in the world at the moment and is well rounded in his abilities. Apart from possessing world class passing, tackling and vision, Pogba also scores goals and creates chances out of nothing.

If his agent is to be believed, Pogba’s asking price could break the £100 million barrier. Manchester United will look to break the bank in two consecutive summers to have any chance of bringing the Frenchman back to Old Trafford. Even though Pogba is a defensive midfielder, his attacking abilities will give Van Gaal the confidence to start him a little higher up the pitch.

He will combine effectively with Juan Mata, Marouane Fellaini and Angel Di Maria in producing some creative attacks while servicing the strikers upfront. Pogba can be dangerous in the air and his physical strength gives him an edge against the strongest of players.

At the tender age of 21, Pogba has a long way to go, especially if his talent is moulded in the right way. Playing in the Premier League will do just that.

#5 Radamel Falcao\'s future

Falcao’s loan spell comes to an end this season; he has not been offered a permanent spot at the club and he has failed to impress the manager and fans with his performances so far. Having scored only 4 times in 19 appearances, it is clear United are still waiting to see the Falcao of Atletico Madrid.

The Colombian is trying to settle into a new club under a new manager and his discomfort is clearly showing. He does not receive the same kind of ball delivery as he did in Atletico and Monaco. But an exhibition of his talents is proving to be elusive.

Falcao still has a chance to redeem himself though. He needs to strengthen his partnership with Robin van Persie and adapt quickly to Louis van Gaal style of play which features two strikers up front instead of a lone striker.

In the unfortunate case of Falcao’s departure, Van Gaal will be presented with various options. Wayne Rooney might take back his place up front alongside Van Persie while James Wilson will also get more first team action which will help his development.

#6 The final lineup

Manchester United’s probable XI in 2015/16

Starting from the back, David De Gea will only improve as a goalkeeper next season. His career graph provides ample proof to back this assumption. Mats Hummels could become the anchor of the defence preventing fatal goal leakages which have seen United concede goals against much weaker teams this season. His experience will be much needed if Van Gaal’s men finish in the top four and want to compete in Europe next season.

Phil Jones and Luke Shaw will mature under the tutelage of Louis Van Gaal. They are currently undergoing the transformation from boys to men having been made to operate in a rudderless defence this season. Rafael has been the club’s right back since the Ferguson era and come next season, he will cement his place in the back four.

Kevin Strootman’s arrival will add another check post in the defensive midfield position. Paul Pogba will be employed in a more attacking role in right midfield where can assist the strikers or find the net himself. Angel Di Maria will go back to his original place on the wing where he rose to global acclaim. As a winger, Di Maria will become United’s greatest asset going forward while Juan Mata, in his preferred No.10 role, will service the tried and tested strike partnership of Rooney and Van Persie.