With Manchester United crashing out of the FA Cup on Monday night, the season has boiled down to the race for Top 4.
United currently reside in fourth position, one point behind third placed Arsenal but just two points clear of sixth placed Tottenham Hotspur, with the in-form Liverpool hot on their heels in fifth.
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With van Gaal admitting that Top 4 was the goal at the start of the season, missing out now would be a massive blow for United’s summer transfer plans as well as the money the club would miss out on revenue wise. Players like David De Gea, Wayne Rooney, Angel Di Maria, Juan Mata and Robin van Persie are unlikely to want to stay at a club not in the Champions League for a second consecutive season which could hinder the club as they attempt to reprieve their faltering reputation over the last two years.
Goalkeeper Victor Valdes returned to the match-day squad for Manchester United against Arsenal and is still awaiting his debut for the club since signing on a free transfer in January. David De Gea’s incredible form has continued during the turbulence of the last few weeks and his save to deny Santi Cazorla late on in Monday’s game could go down as the save of the season. He will undoubtedly continue in goal as United look for their first win over Tottenham in five games.
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After making an excellent comeback against Tottenham’s Under 21’s on Tuesday at Old Trafford, Rafael Da Silva has seemingly handed himself a lifeline at Manchester United. His future looked all but over at the club but a wonderful goal in the first half as well as an efficient performance throughout the ninety minutes, Rafael may have forced his way back into Louis van Gaal’s plans, at least for the remainder of the season.
Centre-back has been an issue for van Gaal all season long with the Dutch coach unable to get a consistent partnership together. Marcos Rojo has been a mainstay when fit but with Phil Jones and Chris Smalling vying for the next place, it’s possible either could start. Chris Smalling could get the nod after Jones’ wasteful performance against Arsenal in the second half but I wouldn’t be surprised either way.
At left-back, Luke Shaw has had a season of mixed fortunes. When he’s played he’s been an excellent addition to the side, with his pace, energy and power useful going forward and at the back. But his main problem has been his fitness as he’s constantly picked up little niggles throughout his debut season. After going off at half-time against Arsenal with what was reported as a minor groin injury, he’ll be hoping to be over that and get a run of games together for the final ten games of the season.
In midfield, Louis van Gaal has options. Daley Blind has been a regular whenever fit, while Michael Carrick showed his importance to the side earlier in the season before being appointed as the vice-captain behind Wayne Rooney. van Gaal could decide to use both together to offer a more stable platform when going forward but in doing so the side would miss the energy and creativity of a certain Ander Herrera. The Spaniard has finally made an impression on the side under van Gaal and would be unlucky to miss out, especially considering how much poorer the second half performance was against Arsenal once he’d been substituted. It’s possible of course that the Dutch coach could revert to his trusty 4-3-3 formation and use all three together, although I think he will want his trust No.10 in the side.
That leads me on to the biggest debate so far. Juan Mata or Marouane Fellaini. On paper, it’s a no contest. Juan Mata is the perfect playmaker for any side using a No.10, with his ability to get in between the lines and create among the best in Europe. van Gaal however seems to prefer the big Belgian in that role as he offers an immediate Plan B for the side when things aren’t going right. For this game in particular, I think van Gaal needs to go with Mata.
The ex-Chelsea man has a good record against Tottenham but also his ability to find space could be crucial. Spurs are very good in the air and a very physical team in midfield and defence which could see Fellaini’s biggest assets ruled useless. Mata’s guile could help turn the strong Spurs defenders chasing towards their own goal, which will only be a boost for Manchester United.
Angel Di Maria will miss the game after his stupid red card against Arsenal, while Ashley Young is a doubt after picking up a knock in the same game. This almost certainly means we’ll see Adnan Januzaj from the start but also means we could see the return of Antonio Valencia in an advanced position. The Ecuadorian has spent the entire season played at right-back but with wide options lacking, van Gaal could opt to put him in his natural role for a game or two.
Up front, Robin van Persie is still expected to be missing for another week or two while James Wilson and Radamel Falcao started for the Under 21’s in midweek. Neither player made much of an impact which will only continue to help Wayne Rooney in his quest to be a permanent striker under Louis van Gaal. Rooney has bagged thirteen goals this season, more than anyone else for the club, and will be looking to get to as close to 20 goals for the season as he hopes to fire the Reds back into the Champions League.
Credit: sharemytactics.com
Credit: sharemytactics.com