Manchester United: Van Gaal Should Experiment After Red Devils Locked into 4th

Following Arsenal's 0-0 draw vs. Sunderland, Manchester United are effectively eliminated from finishing in third place and qualifying for the UEFA Champions League group stage (Arsenal's goal difference is seven goals better than United's).

Now, the Red Devils have nothing to play for but pride, and Louis van Gaal should use their last match vs. Hull City as a chance to reward some youngsters and experiment with tactics a bit.

This time next year, Van Gaal will be hoping to close out the season playing a more meaningful game, but for now, he might as well take advantage of the "luxury" of being able to rest senior players and introducing younger ones.

It was against Hull City towards the end of last season that James Wilson was handed his senior debut, and won over the hearts of United faithful with a hard-earned brace.

Fast-forward a year, and the young Englishman has become more involved in the first-team setup, yet it still feels he hasn't been given fair crack, especially considering United's striking struggles. Ten of his 12 appearances have come from off the bench, and he's only scored one goal from eight shots.

Wilson is most definitely a project player, but he impressed against Stoke in December with his work ethic and dribbling ability. He's certainly talented enough to play this weekend in a game with no ramifications for United; at the very least he would work his socks off, but it wouldn't be shocking to see him end up on the scoresheet either.

I recently discussed how playing Wilson alongside Rooney could potentially aid the United captain, and this possibility is just another reason the 19-year-old should be recalled. This would give Van Gaal the opportunity to utilize a two-striker look (4-4-2 diamond or 4-3-1-2) for the first time since the beginning of the season, when a 3-5-2 was played.

Aside from rewarding youngsters such as Wilson, Van Gaal might want to lend an olive branch to give underperforming players a chance to end the season on a positive note, and perhaps build a bit of momentum to draw off of for the next campaign.

Giving Adnan Januzaj and Angel Di Maria a chance to express themselves—even in a meaningless game— could do wonders for their confidence levels. Both of these players have seen initially promising campaigns now deemed disappointing, and their form needs to pick up (especially for the 27-year-old Di Maria) if there is to be a future at the club for them.

According to the Sun (via Liam Corless of the Mirror), Everton are looking to sign the Belgian on loan. While a potential loan deal is possible, and possibly beneficial to Januzaj, times are far more desperate for Di Maria.

He's insisted that he wants to stay and improve at the club, as noted by Steve Bates in the Mirror, but it may be out of his hands at this point. It will speak volumes if Van Gaal doesn't give him a decent run against Hull.

Lastly, with David De Gea injured against West Bromwich Albion, and the Spaniard possibly leaving for Real Madrid this summer, there is no need for the 24-year-old to be rushed back.

Rather, Victor Valdes, who would be De Gea's replacement barring another move, should receive a start. After joining in January, he hadn't appeared in a match until last weekend, and he is surely in a need of some games if he is to return to his best, or at least close to it.

Ultimately, Van Gaal will want to end his first season on a high with a win, but it would be wise of him to integrate youngsters and fringe players as well.

Stats and info via ESPNFC.