Louis van Gaal’s three-month judgment was lost in a sea of (55) injuries. Now, with players finally returning, supports will expect to see a familiar Manchester United. “I have to select what I want, but now I am forced to select. For a manager, that is not so good” It is a quote to epitomise Louis van Gaal’s Manchester United tenure. The Dutchman asked to be judged on his first three months, but could not have envisaged the injury issues that would continuously hamper his squad. Options have often been restricted to a choice of one. Forget round pegs in round holes, Van Gaal has come close to running out of pegs entirely. “I don’t know how he can expect to be getting the best results with the injuries he’s had,” was Alex Ferguson’s sympathetic assessment. “And when he gets the best players back, you watch United.” There have been silver edges to United’s injury cloud, of course. Ashley Young’s transformation from frustrated (and frustrating) winger into a wing-back of considerable merit was unthinkable a year ago, whilst Wayne Rooney’s move into midfield was borne out of necessity, but has been a mitigated success. Three goals and two assists has been his personal return from six matches alongside Michael Carrick. Finally, the defensive unease inevitable given the forced use of inexperience (Paddy McNair, Tyler Blackett) and unreliability (Jonny Evans and Chris Smalling) has allowed David de Gea to significantly increase his standing at Old Trafford. Now, finally, Van Gaal does have options. The return of Angel Di Maria to full fitness coincides with Daley Blind and Marcos Rojo’s recovery from injury. Further good news arrived with confirmation that the knock sustained by Luke Shaw against Stoke is not serious. Van Gaal revealed that Rafael fractured his cheekbone in the same match, but will be available for selection in a face mask. Every day brings new choices. The return of Di Maria provides Van Gaal with a new dilemma, described in football parlance as the clichéd ‘nice problem to have’. “We still have to find that out,” was his recent admission when asked of the Argentinean’s best position. “It is about the composition of the team. We have to look for the best team also because all of the players were injured so I could not select the team that I want.” If Van Gaal wishes to incorporate Di Maria into his 3-4-1-2 formation, Juan Mata looks favourite to be United’s unfortunate fall guy once again, cruel given his recent form. Being picked in a central midfield pair would seem to burden too much defensive responsibility upon Di Maria, whilst the only other option to replacing Mata in a No. 10 role would be to use the Argentinean as a right wing-back. That makes us feel sad inside. The obvious alternative is for Van Gaal to abandon his commitment to playing three at the back. United have taken an average of 1.56 points per game with that shape, increased to 2.00 points a game with a flat back four. That includes the defeat away at Manchester City, when Smalling was sent off before half-time. It’s an admittedly small sample, but United’s defensive discomfort (particularly away from home) makes the case for a change; the concession of goals has only been limited by De Gea’s magnificence. Lining up in a 4-3-1-2 (or 4-4-2 diamond) formation would allow Ander Herrera and Di Maria to play in wider areas than Carrick or Blind in the holding role, with three of Rooney, Van Persie, Mata and Radamel Falcao further forward. Van Gaal is also presented with a conundrum over Wayne Rooney’s position. Blind’s performance before his knee injury is one of the highlghts of United’s season to date and, provided he is not required in central defence, he would be the natural partner for Carrick. Having previously suggested that Rooney was a guaranteed starter for United, Van Gaal this week backtracked on that insistence. “It’s dependable on how the balance in the team is,” he said on Tuesday. “I need balance in the team. I’m looking for the balance. I hope to perform better because then the game shall be more attractive. I don’t know if I shall use him [Rooney] always because it’s also dependable of the form of the strikers.” A temporary solution may be found in resting Robin van Persie. Van Persie, now 31, has played more minutes than any other United outfield player this season. Whatever Van Gaal’s decision, his side are now entering a crucial period in their pursuit of a return to Champions League football. Following the home fixture against Southampton this weekend, United enjoy seven consecutive Premier League matches against opposition outside the top eight. This is their chance to consolidate a position in the top four. Football managers are judged on their choices. Until now, Van Gaal’s hands have been tied, his free will limited by the 55 injuries suffered and 37 different players used. United’s performances have often been unconvincing, but instability creates a platform on which building success is impossible. Now, finally, we get a chance to see the real Van Gaal. Supporters will hope that that coincides with the return of the Manchester United performances they had grown accustomed to.
Posted on: Fri, 09 Jan 2015 11:08:20 +0000