5 Key Formations That Man Utd Could Start The New Season With

Louis van Gaal certainly doesn't pull any punches. Unlike his predecessor David Moyes, he is quite willing to upset the apple cart in order to create a winning team. In his press conference before the clubs first pre-season friendly on their tour of the US (a tour he insisted on making shorter this year), he ruthlessly outed Victor Valdes when asked why the Spanish stopper wasn't included in the tour squad. 'He is not selected because he don't follow my, or our, philosophy. And, there is no place for not one player.' 

This public shaming of the goalkeeper he signed on a free just months ago clearly showed there is no room for any sort of defiance or challenge to the path he has firmly set United on. He certainly isn't fearful of dropping big names to the bench, or getting rid of them entirely if need be. Which is why his first line-up for the Premier League opener against Tottenham will be all the more fascinating. With four new signings added to the mix and a midfield in particular now burgeoning with talent, how will his first choice eleven line-up for the primary clash of the season? And more importantly, which of the esteemed members of the squad will be resigned to the substitutes? I take a look at five possible formations the red devils could begin the campaign with.

Although United played a completely different eleven in each half against Club America, it was telling that they began with Wayne Rooney as the lone striker and Memphis Depay just behind. Louis Van Gaal has previously indicated that his new Dutch starlet could provide extra options up front and it seems that this role in behind the captain may be the preferred choice. The two central midfielders could provide cover for the back four allowing Juan Mata to cut inside on to his favoured left foot and support the front two. The little Spaniard and Memphis could switch roles at will, causing the oppositions left back all sorts of issues. Ashley Young on the left had a superb season last year and there is no reason why van Gaal wouldn't start with him again this time out.