24 Jul 2014 11:29:17
Just watched the game, thought I'd give my first amateur impressions.
Defence - 3 at the back looks a really good option. Evans or Hummels could play centrally and it would allow a lot more game time for Jones and Smalling in the positions they want. We were hardly tested so there was not a lot to see from Shaw or the other youngsters defensively, but going forward deploying wing backs could solve some issues from last year. Evra was always suspect defensively and Shaw is young so 3 CBs would give decent cover when he goes forward, and it would bring out the attacking talent of Rafa and Valencia without leaving a gaping hole on the flanks if they get beaten. Need to see James tested defensively but obviously he can attack (wouldn't be surprised to see Cheech converted to LB a la Dirk Kuyt and James played up top!). Keane looks ready, Blackett is physically ready but his passing seems suspect.
Midfield - Herrera already seems like a masterstroke signing. His price tags seems paltry after seeing him play superbly all over the midfield and in the no.10, a perfect LVG player. I think he take Carricks role of running the show with an added dynamic and energy that will see him bag assists and goals aplenty. Well done EW. Mata never looked comfortably playing deep for Moyes, and I thought AH would get the deeper role but Mata seemed to enjoy it with AH playing around him offering an outlet. Kagawa did not seem as comfortable but will hopefully adjust. It was interesting to see Fletcher get the armband and he didn't have much to do. Would think if Vidal came in there would be no question over who would get the starting role.
Forwards - I read an article that reckoned Welbeck was set for a big role this year and I'm inclined to agree. He is unlikely to be a regular starter upfront, but we have seem his versatility used a lot and I think LVG will take full advantage. Wether 3-5-2 or 4-3-3 I think there will be plenty of opportunities for Danny that will exploit his link up play and pace. Rooney seems very keen to start impressing. His work rate was as good as ever and I think he knows he needs to fight for a starting role and I'm very happy to see he is ready and willing to fight for it. From the way the dutch played at the WC, I wouldn't think there is going to be a place for a poacher such as Cheech. He does not posses the techincal skills or link up play that the other forwards do and he does not deserve to be sitting on the bench every week.

LVG seems to be setting up his formation to take advantage of our abundance of no.10s and forwards and it will be interesting to see how the players adapt and who can thrive. Galaxy were poor, can't deny that but I am very happy that we set up to go and score goals and play good football instead of the boring and pragmatic approach that saw us lose to a Thai side last year. It is early days to predict how our season will go, but I think we can be certain now that we have a manager who will look to take every single game by the scruff of the neck and fight like hell to win, a huge contrast to the moyes side that sat back, invited pressure and on many occasions paid the price.

I'm no football genius so no idea how people will react to this post but I'm excited for this year and I want to hear how everyone thinks about the players and the side!

1.) 24 Jul 2014
Absolutely agree

2.) 24 Jul 2014
24 Jul 2014 12:10:07
To be honest mate I agree with most of your assessment, very well thought out and sensible, should post more often.

I actually think welbeck could be the player that could play the kuyt wing back kind of role, obviously not all the time but he does track back and puts the work in and never stops running so I think he could do it no problem if needed.

3.) 24 Jul 2014
Welbeck has a huge role this year you're right. He will be pushing to take Rooney's spot and he gives us pace up front which we will often need. Van Gaal is working him hard on his shooting so if he adds that to his game then we have some player on our hands. His role will be even more important if we don't sign a pacey forward as he will be that player along with one of Nani or Young.