Originally Posted on The Sport Space.
Last Season
The Red Devils’ first season post the Ferguson era was an unmitigated disaster. Failure to capture any of their primary targets forced David Moyes to panic and turn to his old side, Everton, and panic buy Marouane Fellaini for 2.5 million more than what he could have had he acted sooner. This set the tone for the entire season. The football was predictable and ineffective, with Moyes stubbornly insisting on a 4-2-3-1 all season long and forcing gifted players like Shinji Kagawa, and later Juan Mata, to fit both Rooney and van Persie into the team. As a result United failed to beat all teams placed above them in the league bar Arsenal, losing 4-1 and 0-3 to archrivals and eventual champions Man City; 3-1 to Chelsea and 3-0 to Liverpool. A 2-0 loss to Everton saw the departure of David Moyes. His replacement, current assistant coach Ryan Giggs offered a glimmer of hope for the future, with United playing some of their best football in his first game in charge against Norwich; but once again they rediscovered old habits, losing to Sunderland and drawing against Southampton. A 7th place finish ensured that after such a long time at the top, United will not be participating in this year’s Champion’s League as well. A loss to Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena saw them crash out at quarter final stage.
Off Season report
Manchester United destroyed LA Galaxy 7-0 in Loius van Gaal’s first game in charge, with new signing Ander Herrera hitting the ground running with a spellbinding display at the heart of United’s midfield. While a win against a side like Galaxy can hardly be judged as a sign of things to come, wins against Roma and a dominant display against Inter Milan will have United’s massive fanbase smiling once again. However, they badly need at least another centre back, a midfielder and possibly another winger to challenge for the title. This might drastically change however, if a certain Chilean decides to swap Turin for Manchester – and we aren’t talking about Mauricio Isla.
Season Objectives
A fierce battle for European qualification seems to be on the cards- with Arsenal, Liverpool and Spurs very much in the mix. Absence from the Champions League can, however work in their favour as it did in Liverpool’s case last season. But with the league somewhat out of grasp as of now, van Gaal could do worse than to aim for one of the domestic cups.
The Manager
Enormously confident, experienced and a strict disciplinarian, Louis van Gaal is the complete antithesis of David Moyes. An enormously successful World Cup campaign with the Netherlands may have put some pressure on him to deliver, but it’s no less than what the club and its fans expect. But it is what the Dutchman is accustomed to, and his CV reflects it. A fascinating season awaits us.
Strengths
Switching the age old four man defence to 3-5-2 has not only papered over the obvious weakness in the wings but has also brought the best out of Rooney, Mata and van Persie. Instead of trying to fit them into the system, van Gaal has tailored it to suit them best. The form of these three will be key to the Red Devils’ fortunes.
Weaknesses
After forming one of the most solid defences in Europe; Nemanja Vidic, Rio Ferdinand and Patrice Evra have all gone their separate ways, leaving a massive leadership vacuum and lack of depth in a already shaky defence. A top class centre back should be on the top of LvG’s shopping list. Mats Hummels would be brilliant, but another centre back to add depth won’t hurt either.
Key Player
Wayne Rooney, their talisman for a decade, shouldered the goalscoring burden last season in Robin van Persie’s injury-forced absence. If the two of them get going like they did briefly last season, a top four finish will almost be a certainty.
It’s a big season for
Shinji Kagawa. An undoubtedly gifted number 10, now is his chance to challenge Juan Mata for the spot, with Rooney out of the way. Played out of position he could hardly influence the game like he did centrally for Dortmund, and van Gaal recognizes that. But will he stay at the club in the first place?
Emerging Star
Adnan Januzaj. A breathtakingly elegant player with great vision, speed and dribbling ability, he was earmarked by the Old Trafford faithful to don the no.7 jersey this season. It will be an important year for his progress, and it is intriguing to see how he will fit in in the new 3-5-2 system.
Prediction
Top 4. Van Gaal showed how he can work with a slighltly inexperienced side and play to its strengths. Good signings are also I the offing, and with the right players coming in it would be hard to rule them out of the title mix as well.
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