English football over the winter period seems to go against the general trend. While most people are enjoying some well-earned time off, the game we love goes into overdrive as fixtures come thick and fast and the January transfer window swings open.
Like most clubs. Manchester United have some massive decisions to make, with building on a quietly impressive start key for Louis van Gaal. But what should the Dutchman’s priorities be? And what key choices will he have to makes? Well, here are FIVE…
Youth or Gaalacticos?
There seem to be some conflicting standpoints coming from United right now. The Glazers and big shot Ed Woodward seem committed to an era of lavish spending, while Louis van Gaal’s persistence with the likes of Paddy McNair and James Wilson suggests that he’s prepared to compliment established names with youth products.
This throws up an interesting dilemma for the club, with the manager and hierarchy seemingly having different visions. Big names will boost the profile of the club across the globe, yet giving youth a chance will save money and potentially breed a new generation of talent.
Although Van Gaal has spent so far – £150m to be precise – he has always maintained that academy players remain in his plans: “Youth players, when they are talented, give a lot of stimulation to a group,
“You have to refresh the squad every year and I have done that at all my clubs. There is no doubt about that. When you are at a club too long, maybe you are too used to being a substitute. You always need the hunger to be in the first team.”
Invest or wait for returning stars
Get ready to scroll…
This whopping list contains the 47 separate injuries suffered under LVG’s reign. Ouch… literally in most cases! United have been hit to the greatest extent at the back so far this term, with mix and match rearguards containing full-backs, midfielders and anyone with a functioning pair of legs having been commonplace at Old Trafford.
But, a host of players are set to return soon, which will significantly boost Van Gaal’s options, and inflate the numbers in his squad. However, this presents it’s own problems, with any signings possessing the potential to leave LVG with too many stars at his disposal. Tricky one.
Centre-back or central midfielder?
If Van Gaal does indeed put his wellies on and wade into the transfer swamp… we mean market, then his two pressing concerns are at centre-back and central midfield. United lack a true leader at the back and energy in the middle, yet it’s unlikely that two world class players will be arriving at Old Trafford at the same time, due to fees.
Kevin Strootman is the standout candidate in the middle, while Mats Hummels remains the pipedream at the back. Chances are they will get neither, but LVG will have to decide which area is of most concern as there’s not much time available for shopping around.
To cash in on David de Gea
Arguably the best goalkeeper in the Premier League so far this season, it would be mad to sell De Gea… or would it? The Spaniard is wanted by Real Madrid, well, according to reports, with suggestions that Los Blancos are keen to pay around £30m to get him in as Iker Casillas’ replacement.
While De Gea has been great in recent weeks, cashing in with his value at an all-time high may make some sense. Few goalies move for such large fees, and there are cheap options out there to replace him… such as Victor Valdes.
Does Juan Mata have a future…
Even though Mata has been a United player for less than a year, the Spanish playmaker’s future at Old Trafford is anything but clear. With Angel di Maria, Wayne Rooney and Radamel Falcao all battling for a starting berth, the ex-Chelsea man has often dipped out, leading to talk he could be sold.
A swap with Roma involving Strootman has been mooted, while Valencia are believed to be eager to use their new found wealth to lure their former star back to the Mestalla.
