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Manchester United’s greatest weapon last season wasn’t Robin van Persie, despite the Dutchman leading the scoring charts and comfortably standing out as the club’s best player over the entire campaign. Instead, it was Alex Ferguson. There’s something about the Scot that forces panic and doubt into his foremost adversaries: Kevin Keegan, Rafa Benitez, Roberto Mancini (to name but a few).

Ferguson, like he’s done on so many occasions over the past 26 years, made the difference domestically last season, turning an average-to-good United side into Premier League champions. Van Persie made a difference from the prior season, yes. Rafael had his best campaign to date in English football. David De Gea turned his game around midway through the season when there were external calls for him to be dropped. It’s the kind of title-winning character that stems from the manager and his insatiable desire for more. Such is the house that Ferguson has built at Manchester United that no one will be forgiven for a lack of application; the type of attitude that can turn sides into champions.

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There’s a difference between depth and quality in depth. United have plenty of personnel to plug gaps, act as long-term stand-ins or simply make up the numbers on the bench, but where are the game changers and title deciders above van Persie? The depth is good at United, but the quality was provided from Ferguson’s expertise at winning countless league titles.

David Moyes doesn’t have that. Sure, there are many managers in the game who have risen to success at some stage over the past five years or so. The classic, go-to comparison is still Jurgen Klopp and Borussia Dortmund. There is obviously something special about the way the German takes to management, but there is no denying the incredible quality that runs through the team at Signal Iduna Park.

There are positives for Moyes this season. The fact is that United still have a couple of weeks to work with in strengthening the team, and Shinji Kagawa could and should take on a major role on the second time of asking. But based on what we’ve seen of this season’s Manchester United – which is admittedly very little with only one competitive game – Moyes will need to add quality to the depth he has at Old Trafford.

The frontrunners for the title this season are clearly the teams in Blue. Chelsea have Jose Mourinho, who in all of his previous leagues has offered instant title success, bar Spain. Manchester City, on the other hand, have Manuel Pellegrini, who, despite lacking in any major silverware in Europe, has one of the most enviable attacks in the game. He’s not a bad coach either.

Moyes, unlike his predecessor, doesn’t have the authority in the Premier League to turn losing positions into draws and draws into wins. As much as the football world may joke about Fergie Time, it is a massive bonus for the club to have. He might, though, let’s not get too far away from the possibility of Moyes picking up where Ferguson left off. But reality of the matter is the game has become that little bit harder for Manchester United.

Even in Manchester City’s title-winning season, Ferguson ran the eventual champions right down to the wire, leaving it to the final minutes of the last day to decide the champion. Van Persie played a major part in bringing the title back to Old Trafford, but you also feel that van Persie became a purchase to launch a sustained and successful assault on one more European Cup; Ferguson’s gift to himself when he finally took on the decision to retire.

There are no trophies, metaphorically speaking, for turning over a Championship team in the Community Shield. Manchester United looked tidy while never really hitting top gear. There was a sense of getting the job done but without any of the flair or brutality that should be associated with a title winner. In the face of an impressive and new-look twin challenge from Chelsea and Manchester City, this United side need more, something that gives them a dimension of unpredictability. Teams know where the majority of the goals are going to come from, but added quality throughout the side will give United a new edge. It’s a necessary compensation for the lack of a star-studded name in the dugout.

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Are United lacking the quality throughout the squad to retain the league title this season?

Join the debate below

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Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Norwich at White Hart Lane was alarming, not necessarily for the nature of the result, but for the nature of the performance. As Andre Villas-Boas looks to implement a new system and a reformed style of play, the easing in process was never likely to go without teething problems.

The worry for some supporters is quite how painful those problems are going to be and the short-term damage they may cause. But like all trips to the dentist, we often carry apocalyptic expectations when the realities aren’t quite so sinister at all.

Firstly, it is important to try and dispel some of the urban myths that have currently been floating around Villas-Boas and the already maligned 4-2-3-1 formation that he’s adopted at the club. The fickle tides of change and seemingly unrelenting media agenda against Villas-Boas has seen the events against Chris Houghton’s Canaries on Saturday, represented as an overwhelming motif for the season so far.

That is as unfair as it is unrepresentative.

Tottenham ultimately put in a performance on Saturday that could be described as poor at best. No one is denying that. But those that are already pining for the ‘swashbuckling’ days of the 4-4-1-1 to return, can’t ignore what we’ve already seen. For 45 minutes against both Newcastle United and West Bromwich Albion, Spurs employed a generally impressive, composed style of football that dictated those respective halves for long periods.

Norwich was again, not a particularly fantastic barometer, but the cause for genuine concern would be if the team weren’t creating chances as opposed to looking somewhat disjointed. Tottenham have created chances too; maybe not in abundance, but they have been able to harvest opportunities. After hitting both the bar and post at St. James Park, losing to a soft penalty was hard to stomach for supporters. The team, in particular Gareth Bale, fashioned a whole array of early chances against the Baggies at home, but were incapable of finishing anything off – inviting the sort of pressure that seems to have led us to where we are today.

But as the transfer window has slammed shut, Villas-Boas finally has a completed squad to work with and seemingly a set of players that can fit the system. The argument over Daniel Levy’s brinkmanship will rumble on for many months in N17, but however you frame it, Villas-Boas was missing the players to make his new set-up stick for the first three games of the season. It’s not been easy for him and consequently he’s been forced to use several cogs that haven’t fit the machine.

One such example can be found in the holding ‘pair’ that sit in front of the defence but behind the front three. For the first three games this season, Villas-Boas has teamed Sandro with Jake Livermore to relatively mixed reviews. A concept that can be misunderstood with the holding two in this formation is their responsibilities within the team. They’re defensive by name but not necessarily by practice and the formation doesn’t require a couple of archetypal Claude Makelele figures in there to just break up play.

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At least one half of the pair has to be cultivating play and proactive in the instigation of moves; like something of a deep-lying playmaker of sorts. Villas-Boas has had to start Livermore there more through a complete lack of fit/other viable options, but Spurs have suffered in the centre of the park as a result. Neither Livermore or Sandro have looked entirely sure as to who should sit and who should go when the team have the ball and their overwhelmingly defensive instincts have shown. It’s a clichéd observation to make, but Spurs really have missed a Modric figure to keep play ticking over and distribute the ball quickly and effectively.

This is why the acquisition of Mousa Dembele is so vitally important for Villas-Boas’ side. Some have naturally clamored for the Belgian to play closer to goal, but his abilities and influence on the ball can be the game changer if he’s played in the pair. He may have been a striker once upon a time, but his goals record isn’t a million miles away from that of Modric’s. During Fulham’s 5-0 massacre of Norwich the other week, he didn’t get one goal or assist- but that didn’t mean he wasn’t pulling the strings. The whole dynamic of this Tottenham team can change for the better with Dembele in this side.

And this isn’t where it stops for Tottenham. If the immersion of a creative playmaker into this team is important, than the deployment of Emmanuel Adebayor is vital. Jermain Defoe has worked his socks off for the side and his new contract suggests he has a part to play in this Spurs team. But the side need a striker who can lead the line on his own and that man simply isn’t the Englishman and it’s been clear to see, despite his goal against Newcastle, for the past three games. The Togolese striker has a real work on to get match fit for Spurs’ next fixture away to Reading but the international break offers him good time to do it.

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This isn’t to say that Villas-Boas can be bulletproof from all criticism himself. The insistence on playing a wearying William Gallas had logic as he looked to immerse Jan Vertonghen into English football, but he must now look to either Steven Caulker or Michael Dawson to complete the back four. Furthermore, bringing on both Jermaine Jenas and Tom Huddlestone in the West Brom and Norwich games respectively, invited pressure on the team. He must hold his nerve.

But now the acquisitions have been made to fit the system and Villas-Boas can now attempt to get the machine working with the adequate parts. And for Spurs fans, that can only be a good thing.

Do you feel that Villas-Boas’ set-up now has the players that it needs to progress? Or do you still harbour serious reservations about the way things are looking? Let me know what you think on Twitter: follow @samuel_antrobus. 

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Liverpool will embark on their biggest game of the season this evening as they take on Roma in a Champions League semi-final decider at the Stadio Olimpico.Jurgen Klopp’s attacking stars were on top form at Anfield as they ran riot in a 5-2 victory, with Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane finding the back of the net.However, the final 10 minutes were a slight cause for concern from the Reds’ point of view as they relinquished a 5-0 lead to concede two away goals, giving Roma a slither hope.As it stands, Liverpool have a three-goal lead, but the Italian giants managed to hack down the same deficit to knock Barcelona out of the quarter-finals.https://video.footballfancast.com/video-2015/klopp-excuses.mp4That will certainly be in the back of Klopp’s mind, but his team have been boosted by the news that Kevin Strootman will not play in the match due to injury.

Roma boss Eusebio Di Francesco confirmed the blow during his pre-match press conference, and even though the midfielder was not on his best form at Anfield, he has been a regular fixture in the team having made 42 appearances in all competitions.

Liverpool fans gave their reaction to the news on Reddit.

Comment from discussion Strootman ruled out for Roma.Comment from discussion Strootman ruled out for Roma.Comment from discussion Strootman ruled out for Roma.Comment from discussion Strootman ruled out for Roma.Comment from discussion Strootman ruled out for Roma.Comment from discussion Strootman ruled out for Roma.

With former club talisman Robin van Persie successfully completing his permanent switch away from Old Trafford this summer, Louis van Gaal now faces going into the 2015/16 Premier League campaign with a distinct lack of striking options at his disposal.

The likes of Wayne Rooney and Javier Hernandez remain the only real first choice forwards at Manchester United ahead of the new season, and whilst young James Wilson may eventually see out his potential with the Red Devils in the upcoming future, the club’s current situation up-top remains far from satisfactory with all things considered.

Whilst a whole host of big name striker targets have supposedly been lined up by the club throughout the summer transfer window, there is one name reportedly still in the hat that could certainly gather a fair amount of attention should the interest in his services be genuine…

Everton’s marquee front-man, Romelu Lukaku, was initially linked with a move to the Red Devils a good few weeks back – leaving the rest of the English footballing community to ponder whether or not the powerful centre-forward would really suit playing at Old Trafford in 2015/16?

Well, if the Goodison Park faithful were to have their say, most would obviously be keen on holding onto their rapidly emerging Belgian star. Although his output in the Premier League has admittedly been far from spectacular since first joining the Toffees for a staggering £28million in 2014, Lukaku nonetheless represents a player with a great deal of potential.

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As well as offering Roberto Martinez a tough asset for defenders to deal with up-top however, it’s easy to forget that this former Anderlecht and Chelsea man still remains a mere 22-years-of-age. He is therefore well within the key development stages of his career – and if he can improve on his all-round reliability in front of goal across the next few seasons – fans of the Premier League could definitely be witnessing a true world beater in Lukaku soon on the horizon.

From being able to bully even the most hardened English defences in the Premier League, to equally providing his respective fan-base with a fair amount of technical prowess in the final third – everything necessary to make it at the very highest level is already present in the up and coming Everton man.

With such a glowing report for Romelu Lukaku in mind then, Manchester United and Louis van Gaal would certainly find themselves in a pretty exciting position if they eventually managed to lure the Belgian front-man away from Goodison Park this summer. Alongside Memphis Depay and Wayne Rooney at Old Trafford – the current Toffees no. 10 would most definitely go a long way in replacing Robin van Persie at the club – and could perhaps even better the Dutchman’s efforts given enough time out on the pitch.

The Red Devils simply need a no-nonsense kind of striker doing the business for their club sooner rather than later, for without such an addition within Louis van Gaal’s squad, Manchester United ultimately remain somewhat flat in the striking department.

Those who have somehow proven keen to discredit the big Belgian front-man throughout his time in the Premier League though, would likely point to Lukaku’s less than successful spell at Stamford Bridge just a few short seasons ago – and how the striker eventually failed to make much of an impact at Chelsea.

However, as a succession of different Blues managers simply never saw fit to give Romelu Lukaku a decent run in the team whilst playing for the club, such criticisms of the centre-forward remain firmly wide of the mark. The Belgian international was a great deal younger whilst operating at Chelsea as well, which also must be fairly taken into consideration.

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Yet despite the clear potential a player like Lukaku would seemingly offer at Old Trafford next term, it ultimately remains too difficult to imagine Everton ever parting ways with their record signing any time soon. If such a deal were to take place this summer, the Goodison Park faithful would simply never forgive their chairman for a agreeing to the move in the first place.

The player himself is also pretty well suited to his current surroundings at Everton. Therefore, although the chance to play with some world class talent at Manchester United will likely tempt the 22-year-old somewhat this summer, it would simply take a very brave man to suggest that Romelu Lukaku will be on his way out of Everton before the 2015 transfer window eventually comes to a close.

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Fulham goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer has confessed that he is unsure of his future at Craven Cottage.

The Australian international’s contract with the Londoners in set to expire at the end of the month, and he is yet to agree a new deal.

The longer the situation remains at a stalemate, the less likely it appears that the 40-year-old will be staying put, and he has confessed that his future is far from certain:

“There’s no new developments; there’s no new discussions; there’s no nothing,” he is quoted by ESPN.

“I’m confident my club situation will resolve itself one way or another.

“Something will be sorted out – I’ve got no worries about that. I’ve got no idea at this stage where I’m going to be. I’m open to anything.”

Schwarzer signed for Fulham in 2008, and has gone on to make in excess of 150 appearances, becoming a fans’ favourite in the process.

But his future with the club is in serious doubt, with manager Martin Jol said to be keen on bringing Roma stopper Maarten Stekelenberg to Craven Cottage.

Reports suggest that a deal between the two clubs has been all but agreed, which puts the veteran’s place in the squad in serious doubt.

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Fulham have been active in the transfer market already, agreeing deals from Derek Boateng and Fernando Amorebieta.

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According to reliable West Ham news website Claret & Hugh, West Ham United could be ready to sell Aaron Cresswell, rated at £10.8m by Transfermarkt, this summer if they retain their Premier League status.

What’s the word, then?

Well, Claret & Hugh says that the east London outfit believe that the 28-year-old’s defensive game has slipped this year, and he could be moved on at the end of the season even though he is their top assister this term.

Cresswell has often been playing as a left-sided centre-back in a three-man defence in 2018 following injuries to Winston Reid and James Collins – as well as the departure of Jose Fonte to the Chinese Super League in February – but he has struggled to make too much of an impact given the Irons have the worst defensive record in the top flight, with 67 goals conceded.

Claret & Hugh say that while Manchester City and Chelsea have shown an interest in the former Ipswich Town man in the past, they are unlikely to still be interested now following his dip in form – Everton could be a potential destination however, after the Toffees were linked with him last month.

How has Cresswell done this season?

As we mentioned previously, he has struggled from a defensive point of view.

While it is perhaps a little harsh to judge him on his displays at centre-back given it is not his natural position, it isn’t exactly as though he has done well when he has played as a left-back or left wing-back either – as shown in the 4-1 defeat against Man City at the London Stadium this weekend.

That said, the 28-year-old scored his first goal of the campaign against Pep Guardiola’s men with a fine free-kick, while he has seven assists to his name in 33 Premier League appearances during the current campaign, although his crossing and delivery in general still often leaves a lot to be desired.

Should West Ham look to sell him this summer?

It’s difficult to say.

While he has certainly been a great servant for the Irons and has shown that he can be key in the future because of his assists record, the fact that he struggles from a defensive point of view is a huge issue.

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With Arthur Masuaku potentially establishing himself as a first-choice wing-back and the east London outfit likely to bring two new centre-backs in this summer, it could leave the 28-year-old surplus to requirements – especially if they do receive an attractive bid from a potential suitor.

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Goals win games, and although each effort is ultimately equal to any other in terms of outcome, some are more equal than others. Below are NINE of the best from the 2014/15 campaign… have a watch and vote for your favourite!

Angel di Maria vs. Leicester

Back at the start of the season Di Maria was showing why he was signed by United for a record-breaking fee. This wonderful scooped effort – albeit they lost to the Foxes on the day – was amazing!

Bobby Zamora vs. West Brom

We all love a chipped effort, and this one was staggering. From the angle of the area the veteran forward produced the sort of effort that any ‘keeper on the planet would have been unable to stop.

Charlie Adam vs. Chelsea

Adam may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but what he lacks in pace and fitness he makes up for in technique. This effort from inside his own half against eventual champions Chelsea was one of the moments of the season…

Matt Phillips vs. Crystal Palace

WHACK! It may have counted for little in the end, but this Phillips effort was, arguably, the best blast of the season.

Jermain Defoe vs. Newcastle

A big goal to win a big game. Sunderland’s January gamble, Defoe, popped up with this Tyne-Wear effort… He’ll never have to buy himself a pint in the red and white half of the North East again!

Alexis Sanchez vs. Man City

Every list needs a top class volley, and Sanchez’s crafted strike against Man City was a perfect illustration of technique.

Phil Jagielka vs. Liverpool

Although Gary Neville questioned Simon Mignolet’s positioning, this stunning shot to level the Merseyside derby is a thing of beauty from the Toffees’ centre-back.

Juan Mata vs. Liverpool

Scissor kicks are always joyous to see, and this neat goal from Mata was a big one as United trampled over Liverpool at Anfield

Philippe Coutinho vs. Southampton

From two against Liverpool to one for. Coutinho is often criticised for his poor finishing and wayward shooting from distance… But this is the perfect response from the Brazilian.

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Vote for your Premier League Goal of the Season below…

The Best Current Soccer Players

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Although I am a fan of Roy Hodgson, having been incredibly successful during his days at Fulham and West Brom, in addition to changing the world of Swedish football as we know it by introducing zonal marking in the 1990s, I’m still yet to be convinced by his tenure as England boss.

Despite being far more likeable than his predecessors Fabio Capello and Steve McLaren, and making some difficult decisions over questions that neither dared to answer, such as the eternal Gerrard-Lampard-midfield complex, I continually find myself frustrated at Three Lions performances. If it’s not a 1-1 draw and poor showing against Montenegro, it’s a casual victory against a European minnow, by scoring from a set piece or taking advantage of lacklustre defending, rather than creating a style of play which allows the England national team to assert dominance over their opponents, despite their often lack of ability.

Of course, the team’s failings should never be attributed to the manager alone. I think we’ve all accepted that our golden generation, the likes of Rio Ferdinand, John Terry, Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard, has been wasted, and now, with the majority of the squad either firmly into their twilight years, late 20-somethings who never reached their full potential, or early 20-somethings still yet to claim a place in the national set-up on merit rather than potential, Hodgson’s options are limited due to the overall decline in ability in comparison to the mid 2000s.

But is he using the best he’s got? And furthermore, is Hodgson actually playing towards our own strengths? While many a fan are confused by the constant inclusion of Tom Cleverley, either as a wide midfielder or even more disturbingly at the tip of a midfield diamond, my concern is in the striker department. Sam Allardyce recently raised an interesting point regarding his loaned-in star, Andy Carrroll.

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When quizzed upon the Geordie being given a more important role in regards to the Three Lions, the West Ham boss replied: “Roy [Hodgson] would be scared to do it because of the reaction he’d get. He would be accused of a direct approach and people would be on his case. But playing Andy does not make you a long-ball team, it just gives you extra options. He is good on the floor and others can play off him. Andy and Wayne Rooney together would work very well and it would benefit Wayne, who is often carrying England’s hopes all on his own.”

The words ring true. You get the feeling that even if the England team recorded a surprise victory against one of the bigger European powers, there would still be an adverse reaction had it been  carried out in the style of Stoke rather than that of Manchester United, and any  suggestion that it might become Hodgson’s long-term tactical policy would be sternly protested against by the British media.

Yet, the height, pace and power of the Premier League is undoubtedly our strength. Similarly, while other countries focus on passing, technique and movement from an early age, our youth system, which has potential wonder-kids playing on full-sized pitches by the time they’re teenagers, has been geared towards all things physical. It’s created a generation of James Milners, Micah Richards and Gareth Barrys, who may be incredibly athletic in one form or another, but in comparison to their foreign counter-parts, are sufficiently lacking in ability on the ball.

Yet, I still witness England teams on a regular basis woefully attempting to exert control of a match via the use of the football rather than our English hustle and bustle, which more often than not results in our version of ball retention of continually passing up and down the backline, Michael Carrick or Steven Gerrard exchanging a series of short passes with a central defender, before eventually trying to thread the ball to Wayne Rooney who, due to our lack of mobility, is completely isolated as a lone striker.

In addition to playing to our strengths, the biggest advantage I can see from making Andy Carroll an England regular would be to get better use out of Wayne Rooney. The Manchester United forward has been amongst the goals on international duty this season, with seven in his last eight appearances for the Three Lions, yet apart from being able to find the net, Rooney goes absent for most of the game, and rather than being the first port of call to build an attack, he spends the majority of the match wrestling with the ball and unable to find anyone within twenty yards of him to pass to.

Playing Carroll would allow Hodgson to deploy the 27-year-old further back, in a similar position to where he is used for United, and without the requirement to spearhead the attack, Rooney would be given the freedom to find space, drop into midfield when required and play off the front man, which furthermore would make him considerably harder to mark in comparison to him being often doubled-up by opponents, limiting his capability to truly affect the game.

Furthermore, the amount of goals that Carroll creates through his presence alone far outweighs his unspectacular record of six goals and two assists in 20 Premier League appearances during his season in exile at Upton Park. His partnership with Kevin Nolan works on the simple premise that defenders will be naturally drawn towards the lanky Geordie, often attempting to block him off in front as well as behind him, which leaves space that the former Bolton and Newcastle man can then exploit and subsequently find the net.

I could never understand why Liverpool never mastered the same concept, by either using Steven Gerrard – who is essentially a rich man’s Kevin Nolan – or Luis Suarez. Similarly, I believe the simple process could be used with Wayne Rooney for the England national team.

But it all depends on your opinions of Andy Carroll in terms of quality, and whether a striker who has scored 26 goals in 103 Premier League appearances throughout his career warrants such a pivotal role in the national set-up. Whilst he has shown glimpses of his ability during the latter half of the season, with one his goals – a volley with the ball travelling over his shoulder – required exceptional skill and technique, the majority of what we’ve seen from the 24 year old has been a lot of hard work with very little end product.

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Similarly, I feel Jermain Defoe’s 11 domestic goals this season, in addition to him being an ever-consistent performer throughout his career, give him as much right to be starting for England as Carroll, and additionally, Daniel Sturridge has been exceptional for Liverpool, with five goals and two assists in seven appearances since signing in January, and more than anything I’ve found myself impressed with the 23 year old’s all round game – a stark deviation to his selfish, trigger-happy manner during his Chelsea days.

Perhaps it is too soon to be discussing the Hammers’ target man’s role in the England squad, considering he is still not at his peak as a footballer, and we are yet to see a full season of him bursting with confidence and free of spells on the sidelines. But with the 2014 World Cup just over a year away, the England team desperately need to find some sense of identity in time for the international tournament.

While perhaps Carroll would not be our most skilled footballer, or even our most efficient striker, he is the epitome of the Premier League. Although he requires an ugly style of play, which even West Ham fans still often disagree with, it is the only slim advantage we have on paper over our more technically gifted, more creative and more tactically astute European rivals. If we finally played to our strengths, rather than playing to get a result, perhaps the England team will finally put in a performance to be proud of.

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Manchester City fans would have been rejoicing on Wednesday when Sergio Aguero was named in the PFA Team of the Year for the first time.

The Argentina international has been playing in the Premier League since 2011 and has found the back of the net 143 times in the division, but has never before been included in the TOTY first XI.

This season, the striker has scored 21 league goals to help City lift their third title in seven campaigns.

However, he has had to take a bit-part role at times under manager Pep Guardiola, with Gabriel Jesus being confirmed.

Unfortunately for Aguero it seems that he may not complete the season with City due to injury.

A knee problem has been troubling the 29-year-old for five weeks, and according to BBC Sport has undergone keyhole surgery to rectify the problem.

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The same report claims that as a result, Aguero is likely to be sidelined for a month.

Since hearing the news, City fans commented on Reddit.

Comment from discussion Agüero out for a month with a knee injury [@10JoseAlvarez].Comment from discussion Agüero out for a month with a knee injury [@10JoseAlvarez].Comment from discussion Agüero out for a month with a knee injury [@10JoseAlvarez].Comment from discussion Agüero out for a month with a knee injury [@10JoseAlvarez].Comment from discussion Agüero out for a month with a knee injury [@10JoseAlvarez].Comment from discussion Agüero out for a month with a knee injury [@10JoseAlvarez].

Clubs up and down the Premier League are set for intriguing summer transfer windows, but Manchester United’s possible business looks to be more intriguing than most teams’.

The Red Devils are firmly on course to return to the Champions League and have been linked with a host of talented players in recent times, which, given their financial muscle, could mean that comings and goings will be commonplace in a few months’ time.

Louis van Gaal has his feet firmly under the Old Trafford table after a shaky start and looks to have settled on a system, which could see players tailored to his plans coming in, rather than big money vanity purchases such as Angel Di Maria.

Of course deadwood will be chopped, too… so here are THREE we at FFC Towers feel United should buy, and THREE they should offload.

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In – Memphis Depay

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This one looks to be turning into a transfer saga already, with both United and Liverpool chasing the PSV Eindhoven sensation.

The Merseysiders appear to be leading the way, but the Red Devils should be seriously looking at getting a deal done, as all the signs point towards him being a top talent and one suited to Old Trafford.

For a start, Louis van Gaal coached him in the Netherlands set-up prior to taking change at United, so he knows his game inside out. Second, he’s netted 21 goals this season for the Dutch champions.

Third, he’s just 21, so he has his best years ahead of him.

Out – Radamel Falcao

Hailed by many as one of the signings of last summer, Falcao has been a disaster at United.

Once prolific, the Colombian has netted paltry four goals in all competitions, with a serious knee injury having robbed him of the explosiveness that made him so feared at Porto and Atletico Madrid.

United are lucky in the fact they are only loaning Falcao, so he should be Monaco’s problem in a few months’ time, but there is the lingering issue surrounding a clause in the deal which could allow United to keep him, which hasn’t been officially rules out yet.

In – Edinson Cavani

His struggles at PSG – competing with Zlatan Ibrahimovic for a striker berth – led many to suggest that the Uruguayan had lost his touch, however, anyone who watched the Parisians knock Chelsea out of the Champions League will testify that he hasn’t.

‘El Matador’ was excellent against the Blues, showing his pace, power and eye for goal in a compete performance, particularly in the first leg at the Parc des Princes.

United have since been linked with a £55m move, and although that’s a lot of cash, Cavani has the talent to lead the line and offer a very different threat than the likes of Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie.

Out – Robin van Persie

Although the Dutchman wants to stay put, it may be time for Van Persie to be shifted on.

The 31-year-old appears to lack the pace and physicality he once had, while his role in Louis van Gaal’s 4-3-3 looks uncertain with Rooney very much the best option the Dutchman has now.

Bringing in a substantial amount of cash for the ex-Arsenal man is unlikely, but removing his salary and freeing up space in the squad are both positives.

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In – Nicolas Otamendi

Although Man United fans have been screaming for Mats Hummels, Nicolas Otamendi appears to be a genuine top target for LVG.

The Argentine, albeit not as adept on the ball as the Dortmund ace, offers more physicality and leadership from the back, which have both been on show in an impressive Valencia side this season.

United lack a commanding presence at the back, which Otamendi would certainly be able to offer. He can also play at right-back, which is a bonus for LVG.

Out – Rafael

Perhaps the player to have looked most out of his depth during Van Gaal’s tenure, this summer could be the end fir Rafael.

Once such a promising talent, the Brazilian’s shortage of positional awareness, ill-discipline and general lack of development are alarming, and with Antonio Valencia regularly chosen ahead of him to play at right-back, the writing is very much on the wall.