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06 August, 2014

Manchester United's Title Chances

After nearly three decades of dominance both in Europe and the premier league, Manchester United did not know what was in store for them the year following Sir Alex Fergusons retirement.  What they got was a 7th place finish and several embarrassing losses with David Moyes in charge, who was ultimately sacked with a few weeks left in the season.  Coming off that disappointing season, newly appointed manager Louis Van Gaal has quite the task at hand.  

I’ve mentioned before that I think very highly of Van Gaal as a manager after Hollands performance in the World Cup.  With that being said, he still has a ton of work to do with this squad.  He has started well, winning the International Cup of Champions here in the United States with some impressive performances.  King Louis however, was not impressed.  Sure, it was a good start and he knows that, but the mentality he has brought to Old Trafford won’t settle for just being good.  Van Gaal surely considers United title contenders, as do a lot of people.  A lot needs to happen in order for that to become a reality.  

Ander Herrera looks like he has a promising career in the premier league ahead of him, and Wayne Rooney showed class in the American tour.  David De Gea is as good as ever, while Antonio Valencia is fitting into the wingback role nicely.  There are several weaknesses in this squad that need to be addressed though.  United have been linked with Arturo Vidal for what seems like the whole summer, but there are questions to be answered about the state of his knee.  Like Arsenal, United are thin at the defensive midfield slot, and would be wise to try and hijack the Gunners’ alleged bid for William Carvalho.  Recently, there were reports that Van Gaal was trying to bring Nigel De Jong to Manchester, which would be an interesting signing.  

Luke Shaw may be the most expensive teenager of all time, but it’s not a sure thing that he can perform for Manchester United.  Personally I think he is skilled and mature way beyond his years, but you never know with such young talent on the biggest of stages.  Furthermore, past Luke Shaw there isn’t much cover at left back.  Daley Blind (who can also play defensive midfield quite well) could be an option, as could Marcos Rojo who would fill the left wingback role excellently and provide nice competition for Shaw.  

Players like Shinji Kagawa, Nani, Tom Cleverly, and Marouane Fellaini have yet to truly impress Van Gaal, and keep in mind these were consistent contributors to United’s cause (with the exception of Fellaini) under Ferguson.  Furthermore, United need help at center back.  I thought Van Gaal would make a play for Stefan De Vrij but this last month could ass him bring in another center back.  At the moment, Chris Smalling, Phil Jones, and Jonny Evans are the starting three in Van Gaals 3-5-2 formation.  Adding Thomas Vermaelen is realistic, signing Mats Hummels is a reach but you never know.  


Finally, the winning mentality needs to return for Manchester United in the competitive fixtures to start the season.  Last season was a nightmare under Moyes.  The players and the fans both need a strong start so that the Ferguson era-like mentality can slowly re-awaken at Old Trafford.  Van Gaal doesn’t think he’s the man to do it, he knows he’s the man to do it.  This is the thought process the entire club needs to have in a season like this.  Given his history in first seasons with clubs as a manager Van Gaal doesn’t necessarily deliver immediate results.  Finishing in the top four would be a great achievement for United this year, but for the foreseeable future King Louis will be in charge and he won’t consider losing an option for the Red Devils.  

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