Stoke vs. Man Utd: Issues and Decisions That Will Shape EPL Game for Red Devils

Louis van Gaal will seek to start 2015 by improving Manchester United's away record with a trip to Stoke City on New Year's Day.

The Dutchman—whose appointment will no doubt feature on many United fans' highlights of the year lists—faces important decisions all over the pitch. Dealing with managing the return of key players from injury, mixed form and the impact of the festive fixture list will not be an easy task. 

Let's take a look at four areas of particular concern to Van Gaal.

How Do You Solve a Problem Like Falcao?

Associated Press

"Form is temporary, class is permanent" runs the old football cliche. 

Of course, as any Buddhist could tell you, that cliche contains a profound untruth—nothing in sport, or indeed life, is permanent. 

Arriving at United after a lengthy layoff from a serious knee injury, Falcao started brightly, providing an assist in both of his first two starts and getting on the scoresheet in his third. 

A calf injury then kept him peripheral for a long time, until his return to the starting XI against Aston Villa saw him net again. A fine assist followed against Newcastle United, but it was clear how hungry El Tigre was to score. 

Given that the trip to Tottenham Hotspur was the first game Falcao has started for United in which he did not provide a goal or an assist, it is too soon to write him off. However, he needs to start scoring with more frequency, and he needs to ensure he continues to start games. Van Gaal will have to decide whether he sticks with Colombian ahead of this one, given that he did look out of sorts against Spurs. 

With United's next game coming against Yeovil, it would seem logical to retain Falcao in the starting XI against Stoke and give squad players like James Wilson their opportunity against the lower-division side.

Defensive Dilemmas

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Antonio Valencia was taken off against Spurs with a groin injury, and Luke Shaw and Rafael are back from injury but lack "match rhythm" according to Van Gaal, per the Manchester Evening News.

Given that Van Gaal's switch to a back three was predicated on a lack of available full-backs, per the official club website, it may be that the Dutchman reverts to a back four should Valencia be unavailable. 

However, given Shaw's lack of match readiness, perhaps he will retain Ashley Young at left-wing-back and maintain a back three. If he does, selection dilemmas remain, with Jonny Evans replaced by Chris Smalling after a shaky performance against Spurs. Paddy McNair was remarkably assured against Newcastle but looked less composed against Spurs, although he recovered from an early error well. 

A back three of Smalling, McNair and Phil Jones would be no great surprise. 

Midfield Partner for Michael Carrick

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Michael Carrick has been superb for United since his return from injury. However, he is currently in the familiar position of lacking a regular midfield partner. Since the last years of the Sir Alex Ferguson reign, deciding who will play alongside Carrick has been an almost ever-present issue. 

For now, Wayne Rooney and Juan Mata have been given midfield duties, operating ahead of Carrick to the left and right, respectively. When United are in possession, they have occasionally looked like a superb trio, but, Carrick aside, none are natural for the role. 

With Ander Herrera also on the list of those who have returned to training but are not yet match fit, per Manchester Evening News, it seems likely that the same midfield that started against Newcastle and Spurs will be in action.

A Rest for Robin?

Kirsty Wigglesworth/Associated Press

A key facet of United's resurgent form of late has been the resurgent form of Robin van Persie. 

He has five goals in seven games since his corker against Hull City—which he said he "needed," per Manchester Evening News.  His all-round game has also improved, he is holding up the ball better and has scored crucial goals when United were otherwise struggling, a definitive trait of his first season with the club. 

Against Spurs he, like much of the team, looked like he was struggling for fitness. Given that he attributed his poor form in the early part of the season to difficulties recovering from the World Cup, in an interview with Geoff Shreeves for Sky Sports, it is vital that United do not burn out Van Persie. 

Like Falcao, it may be that Yeovil is the game for which Robin is rested. However, what is certain is that Van Gaal must keep Van Persie in good shape for the rest of the season. United need him at his best if they are planning to improve on, or indeed maintain, their current league position.