
Louis Van Gaal's Best Manchester United XI Following Close of Transfer Window
Louis van Gaal has given himself some selection headaches.
Manchester United signed Luke Shaw, Ander Herrera, Marcos Rojo, Angel Di Maria, Daley Blind and Radamel Falcao during the summer transfer window.
And now it's the Dutchman's job to find his best XI.
He first must decide whether to stick with his 3-5-2 or revert back to the 4-3-3 he has been so familiar with throughout his career.
With so many wonderful attacking players, one or two might have to sit on the bench, and Juan Mata, Wayne Rooney and Ander Herrera are among those who might be feeling nervous.
Here's a go at Van Gaal's best XI, following the close of the transfer window. Mata, Herrera and Evans were unlucky to miss out. But set up in a 4-3-3, not everyone can play.
Effort has been made to make the team balanced and exciting, while also being defensively stable.
Feel free to use the comments section below to agree, disagree or add your own.
David De Gea
1 of 11
David De Gea is Van Gaal's undisputed No. 1.
He's started all four games so far this season and has no reason to fear for his place despite United making a disappointing start.
It's likely Van Gaal will add another goalkeeper in January or next summer. But, at the moment, they are De Gea's gloves to lose.
Rafael
2 of 11
Rafael struggled for form and fitness last season. But he's still United's best right-back.
If he can rediscover the form he showed during the title-winning season in 2012/13, he should be a fixture in the team, especially if Van Gaal reverts to a four-man defence.
However, the 24-year-old still has work to do to win over his new boss after missing most of pre-season with injury.
Luke Shaw
3 of 11
It's safe to assume that if United have spent nearly £30 million on a left-back, they are hoping he'll be first choice.
Injury has prevented Luke Shaw from making his competitive debut so far this season. But he will be Van Gaal's first choice as soon as he's fit.
Phil Jones
4 of 11
It's been a difficult start to the season for United's defenders. But Phil Jones hasn't done much wrong.
The 22-year-old will fight for a place at the back along with Marcos Rojo, Chris Smalling and Jonny Evans.
Jones is the one in form and should keep his place whether Van Gaal plays with three or four at the back.
Marcos Rojo
5 of 11
Marcos Rojo has been signed by Van Gaal because he can play on the left of a back three, at left-back or left wing-back.
But it's not clear yet whether the Dutchman's trusts the 24-year-old's ability as a centre-half to use him at the centre of a back four.
He'll have competition from Jonny Evans, but the Northern Irishman isn't in the best form after a poor performance against MK Dons in the Capital One Cup.
Michael Carrick
6 of 11
Michael Carrick is not expected to recover from ankle surgery until next month.
But Van Gaal is a fan of the 33-year-old, even if he hasn't had much chance to see him in action.
He was one of United's best players two seasons ago.
He suffered a dip in form last season, but then most of the squad did. If he can get back to his best after his injury, he should command a regular place in the team.
Ander Herrera will provide some much-needed competition.
Daley Blind
7 of 11
Daley Blind can play at left-back, centre-back and in midfield. His versatility is a bonus for Van Gaal.
But it's as a holding midfielder that the 24-year-old is expected to get most of his games.
He did the job well for Ajax last season. And even with a slight lack of pace, he has the discipline and tactical intelligence to protect a defence that still looks a little vulnerable.
Angel Di Maria
8 of 11
Van Gaal has a decision to make about where Angel Di Maria fits into his team. He played in a midfield three on his debut against Burnley.
But that put a lot of pressure on the one holding midfielder, Darren Fletcher.
In a 4-3-3, a favourite of Van Gaal's at Barcelona and Bayern Munich, Di Maria could be accommodated in central midfield, the position the Dutchman has earmarked for him.
Wayne Rooney
9 of 11
Wayne Rooney is United's new club captain. But after Di Maria and Falcao were signed this summer, he's got reason to fear for his place.
He has played as a central striker so far this season. But that might change with Falcao in the squad.
He's got plenty of experience playing wide in a front three. And that could be where he finds himself in the new-look United team—providing his form improves.
Juan Mata would easily slot in if it doesn't.
Radamel Falcao
10 of 11
Radamel Falcao is one of the best strikers in the world. His 200 goals in 305 games throughout his career is a formidable record.
The 28-year-old will play as a central striker in Van Gaal's system. He hasn't arrived from Monaco just to sit on the bench.
Van Gaal's main concern shouldn't be whether the Colombian will score goals in the Premier League, just how to create enough chances for him to put away.
Robin Van Persie
11 of 11
Robin van Persie is one of Van Gaal's favourites. The striker has made a slow start to the season. But he hasn't had the benefit of a pre-season and is still recovering his match fitness.
Falcao's arrival will put pressure on his place. But there is room for them both in the team, either paired up front or as two of a fearsome front three.






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