There are examples of managerial tinkering that work. Though Claudio Ranieri has been largely consistent in his selections at Leicester City, he had a successful career as a Tinkerman manager, while Rafa Benitez has won trophies while turning squad rotation into something of an art form. Van Gaals constant chopping and changing, though, isnt working at Old Trafford. Now into his second season at the helm of Manchester United, the Dutchman still doesnt seem to know his best team. His first season began with an ill-fated flirtation with the three at the back formation that served Holland so well in the 2014 World Cup, but it was abandoned when it became clear that it just didnt fit the players at his disposal. Since then hes mostly played some variation on the fashionable 4-2-3-1 formation, but frequent personnel changes persist. In his first season Di Maria found himself in and out of favour, Daley Blind was used at centreback, full back and in midfield, Wayne Rooney was shuffled from midfield to up front and back again, and Marouane Fellaini became the ultimate utility man, used almost everywhere to limited effect. Van Gaals disappointing second season has been much the same. Unfortunate injuries to probable first choice fullbacks Antonio Valencia and Luke Shaw arent his fault, but hes still used right-footed Matteo Darmian at left back and Ashley Young (whos not any kind of defender) in both full back positions, in addition to youngsters Cameron Borthwick-Jackson and Paddy McNair, the latter a centreback by trade. Its no clearer further forward: is Fellaini a defensive or attacking midfielder? Is Schweinsteiger an experience, calming influence or benchwarmer? Is Depay going to be given time to adjust to the Premier League, or has he already been discarded? Will Martial ever get to play as a number 9? He seems to be clutching at straws, desperately trying different things in the hope that somehow, something will click. If it ever does it will be more by luck than judgement.
David is an office drone and freelance writer for WhatCulture and Moviepilot, among others. He's also foolishly writing a serialised novel on Jukepop and has his own irregularly updated website. He's available for freelance work. Reach out on Twitter to @davefox990
