This is my team 15/16

All rumours flying around and I´m excited as everyone but this is my dreamteam (realistic) for next season to go for everything:

De Gea
Clyne Smalling Hummels Shaw
Di Maria Herrera Verratti Bale
Rooney Lacazette

That isn't really realistic
 


I think De Gea will go so id like to try and get Carvajal in exchange. I would put Di Maria into Fellaini's current position and let him roam free.
One position I am unsure about is Mata's. He is an excellent player but we may be exposed down the right so we need to see if he can adapt to that position.
 
What would your view be on Gundogan's movement now? He looks to me like he's laboured in this aspect, dynamism is not there and he tends to jog a lot, like Pirlo.
I thought he looked like he was on his way back to his best in February, early March. But he has been average and lacked intensity ever since. I also think his passing is a bit overrated on the Caf. I can't see him as a deep lying playmaker and really hope he makes the right decision with his next move. He needs fitness and confidence in his body, so that he can play with a high intensity again. Without his driving runs through midfield and his workrate off the ball, he's not that special in my opinion. If he goes to the Premier League and realises that his body can't cope with the more physical game, it could really hurt his career. And I like him a lot and hope he has a great career for Germany.
 
RvP missed a large chunk of last season though, and as I said playing as a second striker is not the same as playing as a proper AM in a midfield 3, there are aspects required Rooney does not excel at. As for how he's played in midfield this season, he's done a job is what I'd say, but has also been shown to be unsuited to it as anything more than a fill in role.

When RVP played last season, Rooney played slightly behind him. As for him in a midfield three, as I said, he's already shown he can play there, which is why I guess Van Gaal doesn't mind playing him there.

He has improved his possession and passing and also puts in a lot of work.

Strange that Van Gaal doesn't use him there then.

Bender has also been well under par this season in terms of what he used to bring, I mean look at Dortmund's season as a whole. I can see the stats mate but I have watched a lot of the games that place the coverage an actual sprints into context, I am not trying just to argue, I am a huge mark for Gundogan, I just think you are expecting a player that doesn't exist in him now, he still has plenty to offer though in a deeper role.

Like I said before, if Gundogan wasn't fit enough, I can't see why Van Gaal and his staff would go in for him. That's if we are in for him.

No I'm not exaggerating man, I'll tag @Balu and maybe he can show I'm not seeing things. Dortmund have not played the intense pressing game this season either.

I don't see why he couldn't regain his sharpness.

Yes he has used that kind of player there and Schneiderlin can do that, but you are making out like he's limited on the ball and is a mere destroyer which he isn't. However even going off that we could play him like the 2 you mentioned, it's not going to alter my view on Gundogan in the #8 role.

I'm not making out he is just a destroyer, I'm trying to say he can't control a game like Gundogan, Verratti, Modric, etc.

My guess would be because he hasn't got another #8 he trusts do do Herrera's role, more and more it seems he views Fellaini as a more advanced option.

No. Van Gaal had many chances to put Herrera as a number 10 and didn't. He didn't even use Herrera at all earlier on in the season.
 
When RVP played last season, Rooney played slightly behind him. As for him in a midfield three, as I said, he's already shown he can play there, which is why I guess Van Gaal doesn't mind playing him there.

He can do a job there but all we do by putting him there is weaken the overall dynamic of the attack.

Strange that Van Gaal doesn't use him there then.

Warren Joyce has played him there a number of times this season.

Like I said before, if Gundogan wasn't fit enough, I can't see why Van Gaal and his staff would go in for him. That's if we are in for him.

I don't see why he couldn't regain his sharpness.

I never said he wasn't fit enough, just not suited to the role you are suggesting now, but very suited to the #6 role due to his passing game.

Backs are a very tricky thing, when you have a back weakness it affects your mobility and you often have to compensate.

I'm not making out he is just a destroyer, I'm trying to say he can't control a game like Gundogan, Verratti, Modric, etc.

Fair enough then, I guess we'll probably never get a chance to see in truth.

No. Van Gaal had many chances to put Herrera as a number 10 and didn't. He didn't even use Herrera at all earlier on in the season.

He didn't trust him earlier in the season that is clear, but since he came back he's never had a chance to play as a #10 as we had no other option for the #8 role as Fellaini doesn't pass it well enough for that role, and when we used the diamond Rooney was in the #10 role so we could shoehorn both RvP and Falcao into the line-up.
 
Last edited:
I thought he looked like he was on his way back to his best in February, early March. But he has been average and lacked intensity ever since. I also think his passing is a bit overrated on the Caf. I can't see him as a deep lying playmaker and really hope he makes the right decision with his next move. He needs fitness and confidence in his body, so that he can play with a high intensity again. Without his driving runs through midfield and his workrate off the ball, he's not that special in my opinion. If he goes to the Premier League and realises that his body can't cope with the more physical game, it could really hurt his career. And I like him a lot and hope he has a great career for Germany.

Interesting, I've always been impressed with his passing although I'd agree he was more Modric than Alonso in style when he was at his best. Maybe his lack of progression from March is down to him being unsettled and the all round negativity surrounding Dortmund's season. I get the feeling you think the PL would be the wrong move for him and a mistake for us?
 
He can do a job there but all we do by putting him there is weaken the overall dynamic of the attack.

Van Gaal doesn't think so

Warren Joyce has played him there a number of times this season.

As I said, i'm surprised Van Gaal hasn't used him more then.

I never said he wasn't fit enough, just not suited to the role you are suggesting now, but very suited to the #6 role due to his passing game.

Not suited to the role because of lack of mobility? That could change, and I imagine Van Gaal thinks it will if we're planning to buy him.

Backs are a very tricky thing, when you have a back weakness it affects your mobility and you often have to compensate.

Which means if Van Gaal feels he's not going to recover he won't buy him, nevermind getting him to be a number just a number 6.

Fair enough then, I guess we'll probably never get a chance to see in truth.

Well if he's as good a number 8 as some people are suggesting, then maybe Van Gaal will buy him. I'd just like to see someone with a bit more ball ability.

He didn't trust him earlier in the season that is clear, but since he came back he's never had a chance to play as a #10 as we had no other option for the #8 role as Fellaini doesn't pass it well enough for that role, and when we used the diamond Rooney was in the #10 role so we could shoehorn both RvP and Falcao into the line-up.

Didn't trust him to play as an 8, not a 10. Before he started playing as a constant 8, as we're seeing now, there were plenty of times Van Gaal could have played Herrera as a 10 and didn't. Rooney, Mata, and even Fellaini were often picked ahead of him at number 10.
 
Van Gaal doesn't think so

I guess we'll see once he has more options next season.

As I said, i'm surprised Van Gaal hasn't used him more then.

Probably doesn't feel that the lad is ready for the PL quite yet and has used this season to simply coach him with the first team and get him feeling part of the future senior set up.

Not suited to the role because of lack of mobility? That could change, and I imagine Van Gaal thinks it will if we're planning to buy him.

Which means if Van Gaal feels he's not going to recover he won't buy him, nevermind getting him to be a number just a number 6.

What about if LvG simply feels that he still has the mobility to play as a #6 and the passing to do it, so he's buying him for that role spefically?

Well if he's as good a number 8 as some people are suggesting, then maybe Van Gaal will buy him. I'd just like to see someone with a bit more ball ability.

Overall I agree with you, if you look at my initial line-up I'd prefer him as a DM and leave the playmaking to Herrera.

Didn't trust him to play as an 8, not a 10. Before he started playing as a constant 8, as we're seeing now, there were plenty of times Van Gaal could have played Herrera as a 10 and didn't. Rooney, Mata, and even Fellaini were often picked ahead of him at number 10.

Didn't trust him period IMO, his constant need to try and go forwards every time he got the ball played against him in any role as it was too risky, Herrera even talked about it in a recent interview. I think we are now at a point where LvG would trust him in all 3 midfield roles.
 
I get the feeling you think the PL would be the wrong move for him and a mistake for us?
Not necessarily. I'm worried that it might be and that he should have stayed another year at Dortmund and regain his best form before moving. But maybe all he needs is a full pre season and he's good to go, who knows. I don't think it's a mistake for United, he's not that expensive and worth the gamble.
 
DDG
Clyne Smalling Hummels Shaw
Carrick
Herrera Di Maria
Bale Rooney Depay​

Bench; Valdez Jones Blind Fellaini RVP januzaj Young
 
I guess we'll see once he has more options next season.

We don't need another 10, though. Van Gaal has already said we have too many.

Probably doesn't feel that the lad is ready for the PL quite yet and has used this season to simply coach him with the first team and get him feeling part of the future senior set up.

That might be the case, which would mean we wouldn't need a number 8 then, if Van Gaal feels he can do the job, of course. I'd personally use him as a 10 or a LM.

What about if LvG simply feels that he still has the mobility to play as a #6 and the passing to do it, so he's buying him for that role spefically?

Doesn't make sense, in my opinion, especially when we've currently got Blind and Carrick. Van Gaal likes multifunctional players. What makes sense is killing two birds with one stone and getting a player that can play as an 8 and 6. Because even if we were to buy Gundogan as a specific number 6, we'd be in the same mess we're in now, which is playing Rooney as the 8 if/when Herrera is injured.

Overall I agree with you, if you look at my initial line-up I'd prefer him as a DM and leave the playmaking to Herrera.

Schnierderlin (6) - Herrera (8)? Who to go number 10?

Didn't trust him period IMO, his constant need to try and go forwards every time he got the ball played against him in any role as it was too risky, Herrera even talked about it in a recent interview. I think we are now at a point where LvG would trust him in all 3 midfield roles.

Van Gaal allows his number 10 to go forward and be risky, so I'm not buying that one. I understand why he didn't get played as the 8, though.
 
DdG
Clyne Smalling Rojo Shaw
Gündogan
Herrera AdM
Mata Bale
Rooney

With others like Fellaini, Blind, Jones, Valencia, Young etc. rotating in on a regular basis.

I would include maybe another RB than Clyne and a new CB but I cannot think of any realistic targets that would improve on what we got.
 
1250497_Manchester_United.jpg



This could work

Subs: Herrera, Blind, Jones, Rojo, Wilson, Fellaini, Valdes
 
We don't need another 10, though. Van Gaal has already said we have too many.

I never said we should add a #10, even though Rooney is the only player I can see LvG using in that role next season.

That might be the case, which would mean we wouldn't need a number 8 then, if Van Gaal feels he can do the job, of course. I'd personally use him as a 10 or a LM.

Looks like we'll have to wait another season to see as Mitten reckons he is certain to go on loan.

Doesn't make sense, in my opinion, especially when we've currently got Blind and Carrick. Van Gaal likes multifunctional players. What makes sense is killing two birds with one stone and getting a player that can play as an 8 and 6. Because even if we were to buy Gundogan as a specific number 6, we'd be in the same mess we're in now, which is playing Rooney as the 8 if/when Herrera is injured.

Carrick will be 34 and is suffering injuries and Blind is better as a LB cover/competition for Shaw. We play a 3 man midfield, better to have lots of options than getting caught short like we currently are.

Schnierderlin (6) - Herrera (8)? Who to go number 10?

Well in my initial line-up I went with an AM in Pogba rather than a #10, someone like Isco or De Bruyne could also fill that role. Conversely we could move Herrera there and get someone like Verratti, Kondogbia or Xhaka to play the #8 bridge.

Van Gaal allows his number 10 to go forward and be risky, so I'm not buying that one. I understand why he didn't get played as the 8, though.

Risk is one thing, impetuousness leading to possession loss is another, it's why Di Maria is a sub now until he learns, it doesn't matter what position you play in for LvG you have to prioritize caution,
 
DDG
Clyne Smalling Hummels Shaw
Carrick
Herrera Di Maria
Bale Rooney Depay​

Bench; Valdez Jones Blind Fellaini RVP januzaj Young

Is that a hint that you think De Gea will be all the way over in Madrid? Meanwhile, we decide we don't need a goalkeeper.. YOLO
 
In: Clyne, Hummels, Depay, Gundogan, Benteke. (Bale over Depay if we are really going mental with money)

Out: Falcao, Jones, Evans, Rafael, RVP
 
I never said we should add a #10, even though Rooney is the only player I can see LvG using in that role next season.

This just depresses me... how is Mata not qualified?

1250497_Manchester_United.jpg



This could work

Subs: Herrera, Blind, Jones, Rojo, Wilson, Fellaini, Valdes

I mean i personally would rather Clyne at RB and as long as we get Depay or Bale I am okay at wing. Would like to see Schneiderlin as well... we need the Carrick replacement now.

But my point here is Mata at that #10 :D!!
 
This just depresses me... how is Mata not qualified?

Too slow and weak to play there in a 4-3-3, if you want to play him there you need Raoul's formation but you also need a destroyer next to Carrick to cover for the fact Mata offers very little defensively as a #10.
 
I never said we should add a #10, even though Rooney is the only player I can see LvG using in that role next season.

The way you said, 'I guess we'll see once he has more options next season', suggested to me that Rooney wouldn't be played as a number 10 if we were to get more options next season. I think regardless of who we add, Rooney will sometimes be played as a number 10 next season.

Looks like we'll have to wait another season to see as Mitten reckons he is certain to go on loan.

Think that will be a good move.

Carrick will be 34 and is suffering injuries and Blind is better as a LB cover/competition for Shaw. We play a 3 man midfield, better to have lots of options than getting caught short like we currently are.

Good to have options, but you have to be sensible. Currently we have Blind, Carrick, Rooney, Fellaini, Herrera, Mata and Di Maria that have played occupied the midfield three role at some stage this season. That's seven players for three spots. All we need is a 8 who can play as a 6 and we're set, in my opinion.

The only reason we're playing Blind at left back is because our two left backs (Shaw and Rojo) are out, unfortunately. Hopefully that doesn't happen too often next season.

Well in my initial line-up I went with an AM in Pogba rather than a #10, someone like Isco or De Bruyne could also fill that role. Conversely we could move Herrera there and get someone like Verratti, Kondogbia or Xhaka to play the #8 bridge.

Fair enough

Risk is one thing, impetuousness leading to possession loss is another, it's why Di Maria is a sub now until he learns, it doesn't matter what position you play in for LvG you have to prioritize caution,

Not just talking about on the ball, though. I'm talking about the runs Van Gaal allows his number 10, in comparison to the 8. For example, Fellaini runs in behind the defence and gets in the box a lot more than Herrera.
 
How much ground he covers has nothing to do with him being slow and easily knocked over, Zidane had tremendous coverage as well but no one would dream of playing him in this league as a #10 without a strong defensive net behind him.

Well again I think Mata and his defense is being overplayed. He was Chelsea's player of the year two years in a row and here are some stats on his defense...

http://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2015/mar/23/juan-mata-manchester-united-louis-van-gaal

As for Zidane... well mate we will agree to disagree. Cheers.
 
1250497_Manchester_United.jpg



This could work

Subs: Herrera, Blind, Jones, Rojo, Wilson, Fellaini, Valdes

This would also force van Gaal into drastic tactical changes. If you wanna play slow, possession-based football with di Maria and Bale on the wing, you're gonna waste your money.
 
Why would you leave out Herrera for Mata or Gündogan?

Its just a sample lineup and bench that I think could work (ie win us the league and CL) Each of the players are interchangeable depending on situation.

For example, Gundogan for Carrick, Herrera for Gundogan, Herrera for Mata, Fellaini for Mata, Mata for Di Maria, Di Maria for Bale, Blind for Shaw or Carrick, Valencia for Carvajal, Rooney for Mata etc.

The important thing is the combination of players are high quality and completely interchangeable in case of injury/suspension/opposition tactics etc.
 
This would also force van Gaal into drastic tactical changes. If you wanna play slow, possession-based football with di Maria and Bale on the wing, you're gonna waste your money.

Bale and Di Maria are completely capable of integrating into the possession oriented approach, which by the way doesn't have to be slow. It can be lightning quick as long as the correct players are in the mix.
 
Why would you leave out Herrera for Mata or Gündogan?

Mata would be perfect in that position, he isn't a winger and its testament to him that he has done well there, for me he'd do better than Herrera if played in his position now.
 
1250497_Manchester_United.jpg



This could work

Subs: Herrera, Blind, Jones, Rojo, Wilson, Fellaini, Valdes



Love this, but would really like to see us have a young, dynamic, and hungry for goals striker instead of Rooney, where Rooney goes though I've no idea.