Abhranil Roy
Manchester United have had a miserable 2015, with the team not winning for 8 consecutive games at the end of the year. At the start of the 2015-16 season, United’s defence was praised widely as the best in the land, however as time went by and players picked up unfortunate injuries, we started conceding poor goals both in the league and the cup. Attacking wise, it was expected that it would be difficult for everyone to click at once because of so many new arrivals, however, the severely lacklustre performance put up by the forwards disappointed one and all. However, 2016 has starts brightly, with the Red Devils finally managing to register a victory over Swansea City in the league for the first time under van Gaal. However, there are several areas we can improve on, and as the winter transfer window has officially opened, here we list 3 such specific positions the Dutchman might be interested to strengthen:
1. A TRICKY RIGHT WINGER
Let’s face it, Juan Mata is far better off playing centrally than as a right winger. With Adnan Januzaj out on loan at Borussia Dortmund and Ashley Young looking likely to cover for Luke Shaw and Antonio Valencia in fullback positions, van Gaal must get a proper winger to the squad. The guy should have ability to cut in or just give crosses from the byline, and in general be pacy enough to lead a counter attack. The forward line needs pace, and it is about time that issue is addressed.
2. A STRIKER
With James Wilson, Chicharito and Robin van Persie all sold or loaned out, it was always unwise of the former Barca coach to go into the season with just two recognised strikers in Wayne Rooney and Anthony Martial. The Frenchman has been in lethal form this season, but he has a tendency to drift out wide while Rooney has past his prime as a centre forward. Under such circumstances, it would be brilliant if a good striker could be lured into Old Trafford who could help solve our scoring woes.
3. A RIGHT BACK
Rafael da Silva was sold and Antonio Valencia has suffered a long term injury yet again, so it makes sense for van Gaal to try to get a good right back. Matteo Darmian has had to play in left back position recently to cover for Luke Shaw’s injury and Daley Blind’s off form, and with AC Milan posting an offer for Maroune Fellaini, it would be wise of Ed Woodward, United’s CEO to try and leverage a deal for Matt De Sciglio, Milan’s right back and one of the most promising talents in world football at the moment.
