With Herrera and Vidal operating in deep-lying midfield roles at Manchester United next season, I'd play Juan Mata at the top of a 4-3-3 formation just behind the three front men. The attacking midfielder joined United from Chelsea midway through last season and has already shown flashes of his best, scoring six goals in 15 Premier League appearances. And he's expected to star for United over the forthcoming seasons, with Mata looking to impress in his first full campaign at the club. The Spaniard has a lot to live up to having joined for £37.1 million, making him the club's most expensive player in history, and I expect he'll deliver, with the midfielder already showing signs of what he's capable of. One of the most exciting facets of his game is his apparent specialty from dead-ball situations, with the ex-Chelsea man scoring a few freekick goals last season. Mata functions best when playing from behind the striker, meaning a 4-3-3 formation should also suit his style of play, and there's nothing to suggest he won't play a starring role under van Gaal.
Joseph is an accredited football journalist and has interviewed nearly all of the current 20 Barclay's Premier League managers. He is also a correspondent for Bleacher Report and has written for Caught Offside and Give Me Football.
