03 Jun 2014 19:19:57
Was having a chat with a few customers at a bar I work in earlier about our current crop of players and we were talking about how van Gaal would have done with them etc. So my question to the eds and all the other posters is this, do you think our current players could adopt a van Gaal system or would he himself have to tweak his system to get the best results? I mean only our current players (so no new transfers but can include some youth players who may make the step up). And try and keep team listings out of it lads. would prefer this on the banter page! Cheers!:)

1.) 03 Jun 2014
I think we will be shocked as a couple of players who looked as if they were certs to leave will look like different players this season.

Cleverley is one player who springs to mind along with Nani, Rafael I expect will be back to himself and you never know Anderson could return. We just don't know really.

I would not discount Bebe being given a chance either after his heroics for Pacos. Pretty impressive to be fair and definitely worth giving a chance

2.) 03 Jun 2014
Well, at the base of van Gaal's team is the goalkeeper who has to be like another outfield player who starts things off - De Gea is pretty good at this. He also likes attacking full backs who provide width, Rafael and Evra could do this as they go forward well but Evra doesn't get back anymore. We could potentially have a ball playing center back in Evans and an aerial presence with Smalling.

At the base of the midfield, the number 6, Carrick could fit in there and distribute whilst shielding the defence. We also have a few number 10 options in Kagawa, Mata and Rooney. The number 8 role is probably where we are lacking, perhaps out of the current bunch Fellaini would be best suited but hardly ideal.

As for up top, RVP obviously the main main. Welbeck, Januzaj and Nani are all players that would suit LVG as they can go wide or come inside and have good pace. Zaha could also fit this role.

I think a lot of our players could fulfill these roles, but they just wouldn't be good enough at them.

3.) 03 Jun 2014
I can see Cleverley playing the box to box type. but I just wonder if his confidence was been irreparably dented and his lack of game time over the last season will be a worry too. Anderson couldn't play the deeper role, nor could he play box to box or AM in a van Gaal system, unless we hang some burgers from the opposition crossbar!;) Rafael will have a good season I think. he will suit how van Gaal likes to play and certainly has the engine for it. Hopefully his discipline can be worked on. I think we could see Fletcher playing the deeper CM role very well under van Gaal. he certainly has the intelligence for it and loves to get stuck in as we've seen countless times.

4.) 03 Jun 2014
Whilst I think we need reinforcements I think a number of players would fair better. Nani (who.I think will stay) and young would be better in a front 3 than actual wingers in a 442.
Cleverly could have the energy for the box to box role.
Don't see rooney involved personally.

5.) 03 Jun 2014
Damon, hopefully Rafael will be back to his best. If Anderson lost weight and stayed fit he would be the perfect number 8. But I think the big surprise will be Nani, he won't leave I don't think and will have a good season. He is an LVG type player so could benefit from his system. Cleverley may be better in a three also.

6.) 03 Jun 2014
Cleverley I think will be so low on confidence from the general bullying that he has that I don't think he will be here much longer which is a shame because he could be good in this system. Nani will be the big surprise for me, Young I can't see featuring though - not technically good enough, no goal threat.

7.) 04 Jun 2014
With rafael am worried lvg loves to get rid of brazilians a quote from a ex player
Van Gaal is the Hitler of the Brazilian players, is arrogant, proud and has a problem. He has no idea of football. His type is sick, he's crazy." - Giovanni, Brazil international who worked with Van Gaal at Barcelona plus lucio and rivaldo ect

8.) 04 Jun 2014
Rafael maybe Brazilian, but he's a feisty little sh1t. We definitely need another RB so if we buy one then I see Rafael as back-up anyway. Perhaps MU will sign Arias or Janmeet.

9.) 04 Jun 2014
04 Jun 2014 12:14:29
so nani will suddenly go past people and put perfect crosses in just because lvg is the new manager.