United Face Tougher Tests Ahead

The dust has settled, the rumors are over, and six new faces have joined the ranks at Old Trafford in the summer.  Louis Van Gaal’s re-vamped Manchester United side impressed in their last outing against Queens Park Rangers, but the coming weeks will be a better indication of how good this team really is.  

The win against QPR was albeit a spectacular match to watch from a red perspective, but as I have already stated beating arguably the worst premier league side at home is not a proper barometer for the caliber of this group.  

Angel Di Maria is drawing rave reviews after his first two performances for United, Ander Herrera marked his return from injury with a goal, while Daley Blind, Marcos Rojo, and Falcao each made their debuts last weekend.  To cap things off for the new boys, Jonny Evans declared Luke Shaw talented enough to be the best left back in the world today.  

Spirits are high at Old Trafford right now, but it’s imperative that Van Gaal decipher what system works best for this group, and also the personnel that will get the best out of the system (and vice versa).  Playing four in the back looks like the front-runner as of now, with Daley Blind’s two-way play justifying this formation.  

Thus, after a midweek rest during European competition, Van Gaal has had sufficient time on the training ground to figure out what works best for his team.  Between now and the end of November, United will face their first true tests of the season in the premier league.  

It starts this Sunday, when the Red Devils travel to Leicester and take on a group fresh off an upset win on the road at Stoke City.  Then, Van Gaal will take the Red Devils into a slightly more manageable fixture when they host West Ham six days later.  

The following Saturday, Manchester United host Everton in what will be Van Gaal’s toughest test to date.  The defensive midfield duo of James McCarthy and Gareth Barry are never easy to break down, and Roberto Martinez is more than capable of setting up his team accordingly to thwart United.  

After another two weeks rest, United travel to the Hawthornes and take on a desperate West Brom side, followed by an evening with Chelsea at Old Trafford on the 26th of October.

November is when United will be tested the most.  By then, expect a fully integrated squad with familiarity and confidence.  November second sees the first United derby of Van Gaal’s tenure, followed by a trip to the Emirates two games later on the 22nd.  

What benefits Manchester United in this upcoming schedule is that they only have to focus on one competition.  Champions League football is obviously not coming to Old Trafford this year, but their chances of bringing it back are boosted by this in itself.  

The tough part for the players will be staying patient and knowing their place in the squad with so fewer games to play.  The players have buy into the long-term goals of the club if they are to be competitive in the league this season. 

After just four games, United have accrued just five points while playing a very manageable schedule.  Going forward though, the absence of European football will help see this group through a rough transitional period as it did for Liverpool last year.  

The Van-Gaalacticos

Now that the dust has settled on their record summer, Manchester United look ready to earn their first victory of the season when they play host to Queens Park Rangers on Sunday.  At this point in the season, no game is a must-win, but surely that’s what it must feel like for the Red Devils.  

Unless he were truly the most unappreciative employee in history, Louis Van Gaal has to be pleased with transfer kitty Ed Woodward provided him for the summer.  It resulted in the Dutchman completely re-shaping the United first team.  Here is the result of the biggest shopping spree in league history:

Ander Herrera, 25, 28.85m pounds

Already an established star in La Liga with Athletic Bilbao, Herrera joined the Red Devils for just under thirty million pounds.  The Spaniard is a complete midfielder, equipped with size, skill, and a creative knack for precision passing.  He is a technician in the mold of Frank Lampard, always looking for the ball and taking very good care of it when in possession.  Herrera went off injured on opening day against Swansea, and his return to full fitness coincides with the capture of three more signings for United.  

Luke Shaw, 19, 30m pounds

The most expensive teenager in league history and the only Englishman purchased by Van Gaal, Luke Shaw brings a difficult-to-believe level of maturity with him to Old Trafford.  His reputation as the next electrifying young fullback in the league speaks for itself, as he is already a fantastic player.  Jose Mourinho questioned the judgement to give Shaw such a big contract, but that’s the way of things for United right now.  They may have overpaid for his services between transfer fee and wages, but Shaw’s talent is undeniable and has the potential to be the best two-way fullback in the world.  

Marcos Rojo, 24, 16m pounds

Rojo is the second of four left-sided players to join Manchester United this summer.  Easily the most controversial transfer of the summer, the Marcos Rojo deal is a testament to the problems posed by third-party ownership.  Nonetheless, he is also an excellent footballer, as he showed in Argentina’s run to the World Cup final.  One of the things I’ve always liked about Rojo, which he has in common with Shaw and Daley Blind, is his ability to defend.  His left foot is ferocious going forward, but his reliability across the back line was more of an asset to Argentina in Brazil.  

Angel Di Maria, 26, 59.7m pounds

The premier league’s record signing has been impressive since his move to Old Trafford.  He was by far the Red Devils’ best player on the pitch against Sunderland, but lacked match fitness and was the first to be subbed off.  A man of the match performance against Germany over the international break only reinforced how talented this player is, while the backlash in Madrid is a negative one following the sale of fan favorite Di Maria.  Even though he is the most expensive player ever to join the league, there is much less weight on his shoulders than one would assume given the sheer number of recruits joining over the summer.  

Daley Blind, 24, 13.8m pounds

I would argue that Daley Blind may be the signing of the summer from a value perspective.  He is versatile on the left wing and excellent in a deep-lying midfield role, so expect him to feature quite often this season.  A favorite of Louis Van Gaal, Blind’s coming-out party was in Brazil, but his body of work prior to this summer was under-the-radar to say the least.  The Dutchman is the reigning player of the season in the Eredivisie, and is the son of Danny Blind, who is set to take over the Oranje following the 2016 Euro in France.  I would compare his reliability to that of Ramires; you know exactly what you’re getting out of him each time he steps on the pitch.  

Radamel Falcao, 28, loan

Ironically enough, Falcao is the shortest of all Manchester United recruits at just 5’10.  Then again, this doesn’t matter when you’re one of the top strikers on the planet.  Falcao’s exclusion from the World Cup because of injury was quickly forgotten due to the exploits of James and Juan Cuadrado, but his class is unquestioned.  Since I need not talk about how ruthless of a striker Falcao can be, this deal gives me the chance to voice a concern over the parameters of financial fair play.  

A buy option was included in the loan deal, set at just over 43 million pounds.  The loan deal is nothing more than a gambit designed to thwart the influence of fair play regulations, since United will likely trigger the permanent deal unless something extraordinary happens (torn ACL?).  Do Manchester United need Falcao?  No.  Will he improve the overall quality of the squad?  Absolutely.  However, this deal is a head-scratcher, with the likes of Robin Van Persie and Wayne Rooney already at the club.  

Round Four Story Lines

Who takes up Sturridge’s mantle?

Liverpool fans endured a roller coaster international break, seeing Raheem Sterling shine but Daniel Sturridge injured on duty with England.  Thus, Brendan Rodgers has some thinking to do prior to this weekends visit from Aston Villa.  

Rickie Lambert’s presence has changed games late on for Liverpool, but all eyes will be on Mario Balotelli if he is given the start at the weekend.  Balotelli, reportedly hauled off the pitch by Rodgers after stamping on a Wolves player last week, looked rusty in his return to the premier league, but should be ready to go on Saturday.  

It remains to be seen how Rodgers will line his team up.  Will he start Lambert, Balotelli, or both?  Raheem Sterling guarantees his inclusion after his performances with England, while Coutinho recently earned his first call up to the Selecao.  Lazar Markovic is gaining fitness, as is Adam Lallana.  Sturridge is one of the few Liverpool players with a guaranteed role in the side, so there’s no telling how Rodgers will alter his tactics in the absence of his talismanic striker.

Will Danny Welbeck make an impact?

I’ll beat this drum a little more.  Danny Welbeck looks set to feature as the main striker for Arsenal against Manchester City on saturday, his first test as a Gunner.  Barring some big risk-taking from Wenger, it looks like Welbeck will be the lone striker, so his impact could be limited against a team like City.  Unless Arsenal push numbers forward and give him support, I don’t see Welbeck making too much of an impact in such a big fixture.  

This will be Manchester City’s first big trip away from home, so I wouldn't be shocked to see Fernando and Fernandinho line up together in the middle, protecting Vincent Kompany and Martin Demichelis.  However, don’t count out a contribution from Englishman, who has the pace to get in behind the City defense, something Olivier Giroud will never have.

How will Chelsea deal with Swansea?

A home game to Swansea in round 4 of the league might not have been the most menacing prospect for Jose Mourinho several weeks ago.  Now, Swansea are second only to Chelsea in the league table and Gary Monk has his men firing on all cylinders.  

In retrospect, it’s not that surprising Swansea shocked Manchester United on the opening day of the season, but don’t expect the same at Stamford Bridge.  In the days following the instant-classic against Everton, Mourinho surely has been glued to his managerial duties in preparation for answering his three-goal critics.  

Swansea bring more attacking prowess to the table than Everton, but Chelsea are many peoples' title favorites for a reason.  At this point, it’s hard to see anyone outscoring Chelsea at home.

Will Louis Van Gaal earn his first win for United?

Yes.  Well, at least one would hope so when they host QPR on sunday.  Ander Herrera is fit after an opening day injury against Swansea, while Daley Blind, Radamel Falcao, and Marcos Rojo could all make their Manchester United debuts.  

On paper, United set the record for transfer window spending and now have a handful of top-class talents at the club.  The firepower Van Gaal brought in over the summer is unprecedented, but it remains to be seen if the players he has can produce results on the pitch.  

Angel Di Maria’s form for Argentina was spectacular in the rematch against Germany, and even Wayne Rooney performed well for England yesterday.  I reckon United win this one definitively, easing pressure on Van Gaal from all angles.  Falcao scoring off of a long-ball from Daley Blind would be dreamy for Red Devil fans.

Bounce back test for Spurs and Black Cats

Both Tottenham and Sunderland suffered poor defeats in round three.  Tottenham were thoroughly outclassed by Liverpool, while Sunderland granted QPR their first win of the season.  

Both squads are in need of a morale-boosting performance.  After their fast start fueled by the feel-good story of Eric Dier, Tottenham failed to solidify their identity as a top-four contender after a dismal home performance.  

Sunderland will be under more pressure at home, with new boy Jack Rodwell expected to make more of an impact the longer his tenure draws out with the Black Cats.  This early in the season, it is hard to call this game a must-win for either team, but the intensity of this contest should be nothing short of electrifying.

Weekend Preview: United Badly Need This One

Under-fire manager Louis Van Gaal is not finding life simple in England.  After the 4-0 defeat to MK Dons in the Capital One Cup this week, one would assert that things couldn’t get any worse for the Dutchman and Manchester United.

Well, cheer up Louis, because even though it’s away from home, you’ve got Burnley this weekend, a side who also suffered defeat to a lower-division side in the Capital One Cup this week.  However, anything less than three points would mean the support calling for your head and probably another awkward meeting with Ed Woodward. 

It could be worse for United in that they are lucky they don’t play a nightmare fixture following two already rather lenient games to start the season.  Manchester United have to take it one match at a time, and regardless of their recent form, should take care of business at Turf Moor on Saturday.  

As I mentioned earlier, Burnley were stunned by Sheffield Wednesday in the Capital One Cup in front of a lackluster crowd at Turf Moor.  Even thought it was just a cup game, you would think the supporters would turn up to support their side.  On Saturday, don’t expect a half-empty stadium, but know that the support for the recently-promoted club is not what it should be.  

A week one defeat to Chelsea was almost a formality, but last weeks fixture against Swansea was hotly contested.  Although Nathan Dyer scored the only goal of the game in the first half, the second period was dominated by the Clarets.

From a Burnley perspective, this fixture could mean a great deal to them.  If they were to grab a point or perhaps stun Manchester United as bottom-feeder clubs are so accustomed to, it could be a springboard for them.  

If they lose, it's far from the end of the World...they're Burnley, not Manchester United after all.  The Clarets will come out and attack, with Danny Ings leading the line against a United side seriously lacking confidence.  

On the other side of the ball, Van Gaal will likely have Argentinian signings Marcos Rojo and record signing Angel Di Maria available for selection, and if that’s not a boost to the club I don’t know what is.  

Di Maria led La Liga by a wide margin with 17 assists last year, and was man of the match in the Champions League final.  His impact for Argentina in the World Cup was immense, while his injury absence from the semifinal and final were noticeable.  

Di Maria’s offensive prowess is well-documented, and people have been comparing his new role to that of Arjen Robben under Van Gaal.  What makes Di Maria better than the Dutchman is his willingness to defend at times, something which earned him starts in the middle of the pitch last season after Gareth Bale was bought from Tottenham.  

As for Rojo, he immediately becomes arguably Manchester United’s best defender.  Rojo starred under Alejandro Sabella in Brazil, also showing he can play on both sides of the ball to devastating effect.  However, he is just one player, and his impact can only be felt at one position.  

Rojo’s versatility will make him an excellent tool in Van Gaal’s constantly changing tactical scheme, but with the recent run of injuries to almost every midfielder at the club, the focus of concern is slurring between defense and the midfield.  

Finally, it remains to be seen how United will line up with their new star player in the fold.  United have a wealth of attacking talent in Robin Van Persie, Wayne Rooney, Juan Mata, and now Di Maria.  The key will be integrating Di Maria while maintaining a defensive presence in the back.  

Against MK Dons, Manchester United were made up of either untested academy players or men Van Gaal is phasing out of the club; hardly a side with any motivation or confidence.  

Right now, Van Gaal doesn’t have the luxury of selecting his best players with all the injuries.  It is imperative that the Dutchman instill it in all eleven players on the pitch that laziness or complacency will not be tolerated.  I expect United to take three points from this game, but it will not be easy at all.  United will grab the early lead, Burnley will fight back, but come up just short.  2-1 Red Devils.  

More Stars Yet to Feature

The opening weekend was undoubtedly an exciting one for premier league fans around the world.  Since the World Cup ended, it has been a long wait for the start of the season.  Many players made debuts for their respective clubs over the weekend, such as Dejan Lovren, Alexis, Ander Herrera, Fernando, and the impressive Dudan Tadic.  Here are some of the players who we have yet to see feature in the league.  

Emre Can, 20

I won’t hide the fact that Emre Can is one of my favorite signings of the summer for any team.  Upon seeing the Liverpool team sheet on my phone at 5:20 am Sunday morning, I was slightly let-down that Can didn’t feature for Brendan Rodgers’ side.  Can is physically imposing and will add steel to the midfield, a midfield where Lucas should no longer have a place.  

The Brazilian was wasteful in possession Sunday, and at times didn’t even put forth the drive and effort which probably earned him a role in the starting eleven.  It’s my opinion that Rodgers didn’t include more than Lovren and Manquillo in the squad so as not to take away the cohesion that last year’s group had.  Gradually, Liverpool’s new signings will see the field, but Can needs to sooner rather than later.  

Muhamed Besic, 21

Like Can, Besic will have to wait his turn to feature in the defensive midfield for his club.  Besic, a German-born Bosnian, starred for Bosnia-Herzegovina in the World Cup in central midfield, but currently sits behind Gareth Barry and James McCarthy in selection for Roberto Martinez’ holding midfield roles.  

Besic brings more to the table offensively than either of the aforementioned midfielders, but away to Leicester City isn’t the ideal premier league debut for such a young player.  Besic could feature at Goodison Park against Arsenal at the weekend, but regardless should play a role in Everton’s plans this season.  

Ben Davies, 21

Given the carousel of left backs that Tottenham has been riding for the past several years, Ben Davies should be gifted a chance to succeed at White Hart Lane.  Davies had a fine season with Swansea last year, and was one of the many players to join bigger clubs over the summer.  

Gylfi Sigurdsson and Michel Vorm went in the other direction, quite the price tag for a 21 year-old fullback.  However, Davies already had 71 premier league appearances under his belt for the Swans, and is my pick to make the left back position his within the next few weeks.  It’s critical that Tottenham find an answer at left back; Jan Vertonghen is a terrific one, but he’s an even better center-back and should be utilized there, while the likes of Rose and Assou-Ekotto are far from adequate.  

Joel Campbell, 22

Another unused substitute at the weekend, Campbell impressed the world with his showing in Brazil.  Having spent the last three seasons on loan, Campbell has yet to make his premier league debut for the club that bought him three summers ago.  Campbell looked excellent in the Emirates Cup win over Benfica, and showed an improved work rate.  

I think Campbell will be well-suited for Arsene Wenger’s selection in big games; he can play on the wing, has the pace to counter-attack against heavy opposition, and his improved work rate bodes well for fullbacks.  Then again, it’s never easy predicting how Wenger will use his players, but seeing Campbell’s competitive debut for Arsenal is long overdue.  

Deandre Yedlin, 21

The only player on the list who wasn’t in his teams squad at the weekend, Yedlin wowed viewers and scouts with his blistering pace in Brazil.  He won't join Tottenham until January or June of 2015, but his presence is highly anticipated.  Deputizing for Fabian Johnson and coming on late in games to provide cover on the wing, Yedlin showed Tottenham enough to bring him in at the age of 21.  The American has the ability going forward and needs to improve his one-on-one defending in order to be a successful premier leaguer.  

Yedlin’s full debut for Tottenham in the premier league should be must-see tv for anyone who watched the World Cup here in the States.  Yedlin was one of the brightest stars for the stars and stripes, but it remains to be seen if he can compete in Europe.  If Yedlin were to become a breakout player for Spurs, it would be a huge boost to American academies and franchises in the transfer market.