Credit: futbolred.com
With the end of the season soon approaching, it is a good time to evaluate the signings Louis van Gaal made in his first season in charge of Manchester United. It was a busy summer, with the most high profile signing coming on deadline day with Radamel Falcao making a surprise loan deal despite high interest from around the Premier League.
So how did the signings do? Let’s take a quick look:
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LUKE SHAW (£27 million)
Part of the Southampton sales extravaganza, Manchester United definitely picked up the right player compared to Liverpool’s laughable group of failures. Shaw however was frozen out of the team at first as Louis van Gaal declared that Shaw wasn’t fit enough and needed to reach an acceptable standard. Also struggling with injury, he has seen Daley Blind play well in his full back position a number of times. Should have a much better campaign next season should he stay fit, with a great deal of talent and potential to make himself a real fixture in the team in the future.
Verdict: JURY STILL OUT
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ANDER HERRERA (Undisclosed)
Quickly established himself as a fan favourite at Manchester United, Herrera has lit up the midfield with intricate passing and his telepathic partnership with Juan Mata. Had initially struggled to get into the side but has become a permanent fixture since impressing the difficult to please Louis van Gaal. He even received a kiss from his manager during one of his best performances this season. Definitely one of the seasons success stories having had such a tough start. Hopefully there is much more to come from the Spaniard.
Verdict: HIT
DALEY BLIND (£13.8 million)
Not a big name outside of the Netherlands, he had a great World Cup showing which led Louis van Gaal to bring him with him to Old Trafford. Blind can play in pretty much any area of the field, with some solid stints in the fullbacks position. Needs work in other areas, especially going forward, but has had a great first season in the Premier League when he has been fit. Because like most of the Manchester United squad this season, he has been dealing with injuries.
Verdict: HIT
MARCOS ROJO (£16 million)
In and out of the team due to injuries, Rojo has played pretty well when he has been fit. He has featured at centre-back in both 4-4-2 and 3-5-2 formations, and has also played at left-back as Manchester United were forced to deal with number of injuries at the back. Therefore can be deemed a hit despite sometimes struggling with injury himself. Should become a permanent fixture at the back.
Verdict: HIT
ANGEL DI MARIA (£56 million)
After making the move with a record price-tag attached to him, the Argentine has not hit the kind of form he was expected to. It is his first season in the league and may take some time to settle in but for the money that was spent he should be putting in much better performances. Never really seemed settled and has been linked with moves away already despite only just moving from Real Madrid. If he does stick around, which he should do, it will hopefully mean better games next season especially as the motivation to play well in the Champions League is back if Manchester United do indeed keep their top four position.
Verdict: MISS
RADAMEL FALCAO (Loan, £43 million to-buy option)
Despite all the hype surrounding him, Falcao has not met those expectations. It is only a loan deal but the idea was that Manchester United would make the move permanent due to his success. If anything, the deal will be made permanently off. He isn’t suited to the style of the league and has made some shocking misses this season. Even with injuries to Robin van Persie and James Wilson giving him more chances in the side he has done little or nothing with those chances and there just simply is no reason to hold onto him.
Verdict: MISS
VICTOR VALDES (Free Agent)
Having signed on a free, Valdes hasn’t actually featured for the Manchester United first team yet. He has instead been keeping goal for the Under-21’s and hopes to stake a claim for first team appearances next season. It should be interesting to see how his role develops given the continuing David De Gea transfer saga. Could he be number one? Or stay back-up? If De Gea is sold, and nobody comes in he could well be the number one. He is not a bad option at all either way but will surely not want to remain backup for long if someone like Hugo Lloris does come in.
Verdict: JURY STILL OUT