5 Bold Predictions for Manchester United in 2016
Manchester United need to make 2016 better than 2015 was. The nature of football's calendar means that unless they go on an unlikely run between now and the end of the season, progress will be measured in getting closer to lifting silverware in 2017, rather than an in-year triumph.
That is not to entirely write off the possibility of a trophy in this calendar year. Even if the Premier League title looks out of reach, both the FA Cup and Europa League remain obtainable.
However, the Red Devils' lack of consistency and lack of edge in crucial moments, together with the ephemeral nature of cup competitions, makes those a long shot. They are not listed among the following bold predictions.
All of the following certainly count as bold and, bar one or two, would represent a substantial change from current expectations. Most involve the comings and goings of players and staff rather than on-pitch performances. Those displays must be viewed with some concern by even the most optimistic fan.
An honest prediction based on recent months would make grim reading, and forecasting wild success—while bold—would be disingenuous. The following five predictions may not come to pass, but they are all at least plausible in a way that suggesting a United march to glory does not seem to be.
Let's take a look a what will—or could—happen in the year ahead.
Louis Van Gaal Will Keep His Job
1 of 5
If Manchester United are not going to sack Louis van Gaal at the end of a four-game losing streak which featured losses to two promoted sides, a vital Champions League defeat and a Boxing Day performance so limp it made the average leftover sprout look like a Michelin-starred dinner, they are not going to sack him at all.
And his emboldened stance after the draw with Chelsea put to rest any question of him stepping down in the immediate term.
He is currently a heavy favourite to be the next Premier League manager to leave his post, and perhaps the bookmakers will be proved correct in their assertions.
However, given Van Gaal's current stickiness and the sense that a certain degree of normality has returned over the past two games, there is a decent chance he will be around to sing Auld Lang Syne in Manchester as 2017 rings in.
The one serious fly in the ointment here could be if the United board decide to act to prevent Pep Guardiola choosing an alternative Premier League destination in the summer.
However, as long as Van Gaal can avoid the kind of losing streak that saw out 2015—and the prospect of Guardiola does not trump him—he will see out this year too.
Wayne Rooney Will Be Sold
2 of 5
2016 may have begun on a high note for Wayne Rooney, but the abject failure of 2015 will not be forgotten soon.
While he hit several significant personal milestones, including the remarkable achievement of becoming England's leading goalscorer, his form for his club was dire.
As noted by Squawka, Rooney scored just six goals for the club throughout the year. That was in spite of several spells as an out-and-out striker, rather than the typical shuffling of positions on the pitch that most managers have inflicted on him.
He has, of course, been an ever present for his manager, but that does not necessarily count as a predictor of the future. When Robin van Persie was underperforming for United, Van Gaal kept him in the side, rarely leaving him out if he was available. However, as soon as the summer rolled around, the manager's intentions became clear and the striker was sold to Fenerbahce.
This summer, could the club captain meet a similar fate? His acquisition may not be particularly appealing to any of football's current powerhouse clubs, given how poor his form has been. However, it would represent a huge coup for clubs in developing football markets. Could he be persuaded to take the Hollywood route and spend some time in Los Angeles, for example?
Or, per Sami Mokbel of MailOnline, could he head to China for a huge sum of money?
This bold prediction says something along those lines will play out in 2016.
Memphis Depay Will Come Good
3 of 5
Memphis Depay cannot catch a break. The much-maligned Dutch youngster arrived from PSV Eindhoven to great fanfare in the summer, but he has been featured in the press more for his fashion sense or choice of car than his footballing achievements.
However, there have been glimpses of his talent, and with six months in England under his no-doubt designer belt, Memphis will go from strength to strength in 2016.
The 21-year-old has obviously struggled with the step up from the Eredivisie to the Premier League. There are the frustrated looks at officials when he is muscled off the ball and expects a foul. There is the repeated tendency to hold on to the ball for just that beat too long, to attempt one too many dribbles instead of releasing the ball at an opportune moment.
Then there is the fact that Memphis has moved from a settled 4-3-3 alongside an obvious target man to a more variable 4-2-3-1 where he has played in front of, alongside, and to the left of a variety of players in a system which is not working effectively.
With attacking improvements to United's squad, Memphis can improve. Between getting more used to the league and adapting accordingly, and United's attacking becoming more functional as a unit, Memphis can start to fulfil the promise of his arrival.
Plus, though this is not a bold prediction, he will continue to wear some very cool hats.
They Will Finally Get Their Galactico
4 of 5
Angel Di Maria and Radamel Falcao notwithstanding, it is hard to shake the sense that United have not had the earth-shattering impact on the global transfer market they would have liked.
Perhaps if Di Maria was still at the club it would feel different, but for all the change in approach since Sir Alex Ferguson retired, the Argentinian is the only player whose arrival felt like a Galactico-level signing, and that was an obvious failure.
United continue to be linked to the game's best and brightest. Matt Law of the Telegraph reported that Real Madrid star Gareth Bale "is understood to be particularly upset by the departure of [Rafael] Benitez, who he was thriving under at the Bernabeu" and that the uncertainty will "encourage Manchester United to renew their interest."
This is going to be the summer when United finally land one of the big fish they have been chasing. Whether it is Bale, Cristiano Ronaldo or even Neymar, United's hierarchy are going to make it happen at long last.
Ryan Giggs Will Leave for Pastures New
5 of 5
This last one depends on the first. If Louis van Gaal stays in his post throughout the year, perhaps Ryan Giggs will consider hanging on until summer 2017 to see if he is given his shot as next in succession.
However, if the right job comes up or if Van Gaal leaves and the new manager wants his own backroom staff, the United legend might fancy a crack at life outside of Old Trafford.
That would be a huge move for Giggs, having been at the club from adolescence. However, if he wants to develop as a manager, perhaps some time spent outside the United bubble could do him good.
This will be the year when he finally makes the leap.
Quotations obtained first hand where not otherwise noted.
Odds correct at time of writing per Oddschecker.
