So after one of the busiest weeks I can remember for transfers its time to start the season thread.
After agreeing to sign Memphis Depay during the end of last season, in this week alone United have signed Matteo Darmian, Bastian Shweinsteiger, and have an agreement in place for Morgan Schneiderlin. He won't steal the headlines but Darmian is a very important signing. Antonio Valencia filled in admirably last season and after having so much youth as a teenager Rafael's time at the club has come to an end. Darmian will hopefully bring consistency and a player who is comfortable in both defense and attack. He looks pretty durable as well, playing in 47 games in all competition last season.
Schweinsteiger (the first German to ever play for the senior club) and Schneiderlin turn what has historically been a weakness into a strength and one of the best midfields in Europe.
I don't know if they'll compete with Chelsa for the title (need a centerback especially and a back up striker to Rooney) but you would hope this squad will easily make the top 4 and compete on all fronts. If we lose DDG to Madrid we'll probably try to sign a keeper but will have to roll with Valdes if none of the targets come through.
Van Gaal has his work cut out for him making all of the new signings gel together but unlike last year when everyone came in near deadline day, these signings will go on the preseason tour and should be given plenty of time to gel.
Its almost a given that Van Gaal will play 4-3-3. How some of the players fit in we'll see (for example does Di Maria play on the wing or at left or right center mid?) but I'm looking forward to seeing how it all shakes out.
Here's my depth chart and preffered position list but LVG could change some things around...
-------------------------------------------------------DDG (Valdes)----------------------------------------------------------------
Darmian (Valencia)-----------Jones(Smallling)----------------Rojo(Evans)---------------------------------Shaw(Blind)
-----------------------------------------------------Schweinsteiger (Carrick)-----------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------Herrerra (Mata)----------------Schneiderlin (Fellaini, Di Maria?)----------------------------
Mata (Di Maria)------------------------------Rooney (Wilson)-------------------------------------------Depay (Young)
There are some rumors coming out tonight that PSG will be 45M pounds for Di Maria. I COULD see United selling him and taking a loss then trying to bring someone that can play on the wing and up front (Lacazette, Cavani) if Di Maria goes, but he's so talented I'd love for him to get another year.
After agreeing to sign Memphis Depay during the end of last season, in this week alone United have signed Matteo Darmian, Bastian Shweinsteiger, and have an agreement in place for Morgan Schneiderlin. He won't steal the headlines but Darmian is a very important signing. Antonio Valencia filled in admirably last season and after having so much youth as a teenager Rafael's time at the club has come to an end. Darmian will hopefully bring consistency and a player who is comfortable in both defense and attack. He looks pretty durable as well, playing in 47 games in all competition last season.
Schweinsteiger (the first German to ever play for the senior club) and Schneiderlin turn what has historically been a weakness into a strength and one of the best midfields in Europe.
I don't know if they'll compete with Chelsa for the title (need a centerback especially and a back up striker to Rooney) but you would hope this squad will easily make the top 4 and compete on all fronts. If we lose DDG to Madrid we'll probably try to sign a keeper but will have to roll with Valdes if none of the targets come through.
Van Gaal has his work cut out for him making all of the new signings gel together but unlike last year when everyone came in near deadline day, these signings will go on the preseason tour and should be given plenty of time to gel.
Its almost a given that Van Gaal will play 4-3-3. How some of the players fit in we'll see (for example does Di Maria play on the wing or at left or right center mid?) but I'm looking forward to seeing how it all shakes out.
Here's my depth chart and preffered position list but LVG could change some things around...
-------------------------------------------------------DDG (Valdes)----------------------------------------------------------------
Darmian (Valencia)-----------Jones(Smallling)----------------Rojo(Evans)---------------------------------Shaw(Blind)
-----------------------------------------------------Schweinsteiger (Carrick)-----------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------Herrerra (Mata)----------------Schneiderlin (Fellaini, Di Maria?)----------------------------
Mata (Di Maria)------------------------------Rooney (Wilson)-------------------------------------------Depay (Young)
There are some rumors coming out tonight that PSG will be 45M pounds for Di Maria. I COULD see United selling him and taking a loss then trying to bring someone that can play on the wing and up front (Lacazette, Cavani) if Di Maria goes, but he's so talented I'd love for him to get another year.