Thoughts Surrounding United
We're about 1/3 into the season, and the January market just opened up! Here are some thoughts surrounding United's current run of form and some questions on this fan's mind:
Who does LVG rate to make this team stronger?
It's clear United need a defender, and preferably someone who feels comfortable running wing-back duties, but other than Cuadrado, most of the targets mentioned seem to be straight centre-backs like Mats Hummels (wait..that's the only one). I feel like United have been short-changed by injuries to their back line this season, but Hummels, while a good defender, had some serious issues with pace. If we're going to dip into the market for a new CB for years to come, I'd still weigh other options. But as David Luiz's transfer price to PSG showed, the market for top-quality centre-backs is pretty limited, especially in January. I'd bet on United sticking, possibly bringing in someone at Right Back since Rafael, while suited to LVG's system, hasn't put in the kind of performances from years past for some time now.
The other question lies in midfield, where Rooney has been filling in for a job and Herrera + Fellaini can't get a game together, and Carrick being the only real mainstay in the set up. Any rumors for Vidal have pretty much dried up, with every Premier League club imaginable linked with Morgan Schneiderlin of Southampton, and of course, Kevin Strootman. It's highly unlikely that Roma will sell, but at the same time, they were dumped out of the Champions League qualifying stage and may have motivation to sell when they can still dictate the price. My big question is: who plays in our midfield and what formation do we settle on if we do bring any of these guys in? There's no denying Carrick could use a ball-winner at the center of the park, and the back line (not to mention De Gea!) could use some added steel in front of them. But does that leave room for Fellaini, Mata or Herrera? I'm struggling to find out just exactly how LVG is going to be able to squeeze Rooney, Di Maria, Carrick (automatic starters) with Mata, Falcao, Van Persie, Herrera, Fellaini, Januzaj, plus any of the recruits they bring in this January, if attainable. It really depends on if LVG reverts to a more fluid 4-3-3 with players to his choosing, or if he persists with United's wing-back formation to fit more of his strikers into the system.
Style of Play
Hints of LVG's philosophy are certainly showing up in patches, but United's biggest flaw that I've noticed so far is: speed of passing. Watching Real Madrid execute passing moves compared to United is like watching a porsche glide through the streets while a Chevrolet intermittently revs up to catch up, only to fall to inconsistency (no pun intended). United's passing has consistently been a sticking point with Van Gaal, and it's noticeable with teams that set up shop and defend in numbers. United have mastered the art of switching play, but they have been guilty of a lack of penetrative balls and too often playing it back to their goalkeeper, only to punt it and lose possession. United aren't losing, so the cracks aren't as vivid, but as a United fan I can't help but feel that with just a bit more oomph, the team could be earning narrow wins over the likes of Stoke, Aston Villa and Chelsea.
Carrick's return and Blind's progress bode well for United, but we have yet to see how Di Maria fits in overall to United's play. I'd really like to see Rafael grow into his role and start to own the right side of the pitch, connecting with our no. 10's and shuttlers in midfield, but the Brazilian has been far too inconsistent over the past 2 seasons. Valencia is showing signs of old, though, and while his defensive diligence can never be questioned, his actual defending could use some work. There's only room to improve, though.
Falcao
There was a recent article comparing Falcao's tenure to Tevez's 3 year stint at Old Trafford. It's true that Falcao has similar work-horse qualities that adhere him to fans and passionate footballers. But as I noted in earlier articles - and by Guardian writers earlier this season - Falcao's link up play and passing in the final 3rd has been very promising. I can't help but feel that with a stronger midfield and service from the flanks, Falcao can really flourish for the Red Devils and in the Premiere League. People are talking about his running style - but having watched him in Atletico Madrid and Monaco after that, it doesn't seem too worrisome. I do have high expectations for Falcao, and the truth is he will need to deliver some truly convincing numbers this season if he is to make his loan move permanent. This writer happens to believe he will...as long as he can stay injury free.