Manchester United were trying to make a statement of intent by signing big players like Angel Di Maria and Radamel Falcao last summer.

United have created a formidable midfield

But this summer they have made some shrewd signings rather than being extravagant. While the marquee players failed to live up the expectations as Di Maria is on the verge of joining Paris Saint Germain and the Red Devils didn’t make Falcao’s loan permanent. United are far from being a title challenger yet with the five signings they have made this summer one thing is sure; they have a formidable midfield now.

Sir Alex Ferguson in his last few years was not able to bring in quality midfielders to replace the likes of Paul Scholes and Roy Keane. In fact, the Scottish manager brought the best out of the average midfielders United had. The only one which looked promising was Owen Hargreaves until his injury woes started. Michael Carrick has been a very good and effective player for United over the years and it showed last year that in his absence United suffered.

Maraoune Fellaini joined on the deadline day under David Moyes but suffered in his first season, though the Belgian has reinvented himself under Louis van Gaal. Daley Blind did his job well when played in the holding role and Ander Herrera has been great while being a box to box midfielder. With the new recruitments of Bastian Schweinsteiger and Morgan Schneiderlin, Manchester United have completed their overhaul of underwhelming midfield. The question that Van Gaal will now be facing is that what would be the best combination in the midfield three of his favourite formation 4-3-3.

The base of the three man midfield generally does all the dirty work; tackling, interception and shielding the back four. Last season Carrick did a splendid job there but after his injury Van Gaal hinted that he will be the right footed holding midfielder this season.

Schneiderlin must be key

Van Gaal has signed two players in this transfer window to play in that same role. Schweinsteiger will get the nod to play that role ahead of Schneiderlin as the latter played more box to box last year for the Saints. Though Schneiderlin could be the player playing there in future as he is still 25.

Schweinsteiger and Carrick will be rotated in that role as both have not been able to remain fit in last few years and both don’t have the legs to play further forward. Schweinsteiger has done well in that role since he was moved there from right wing by Van Gaal at Bayern Munich. He has that experience and leadership qualities to do well in that role.

The two box to box midfielders have to be Schneiderlin and Herrera. Herrera was not able to cement his place in starting eleven after a strong start in his United career. He was initially deployed in the right hand side of the midfield while playing the diamond midfield. The Spanish player was the heartbeat of the midfield last year in the second half of the season, as he scored goals as well assisted a few. His linkup play on the right hand side with Juan Mata has been a delight to watch. Moreover, defensively hehas also been good while m,aking crucial interceptions and tackles.

Van Gaal, while talking to media after the match against Paris Saint Germain, claimed that the 4-2-3-1 formation was just similar to the 4-3-3 formation, emphasising on the fact that Memphis Depay played as that third midfielder. But Depay has excelled on the flanks in last two years and needs space to run at the players. His defensive work is also slightly concerning as he has hardly tracked back while playing the role in midfield. Schneiderlin should replace him to complete the midfielder three. The Frenchmen has been very impressive while playing the  box to box role last year. Moreover he has brilliant passing range and eye for goals as he grabbed four goals in the Premier League last year. He has enjoyed a good passing succes rate as well as being a very good tackler. He would be an upgrade over Fellaini in that midfield from last season as he is able to create more chances for his teammates unlike the Belgian.

Manchester United are now able to boast about the depth they have in the midifled. The other midfield three could include the likes of Carrick, Fellaini and Andreas Pereira where Carrick will play the holding role. Furthermore, Van Gaal can use Blind in the holding role if United are very unfortunate with injuries. Despite the fact that there is a requirement of recruitments in other sectors but United surely have a formidable midfield after a long time waiting to challenge for trophies.

VAVEL Logo
About the author
Kiran Thakare
Student of Chemical Engineering. United supporter.