Five United players not at their best in van Gaal’s system.
With Manchester United again unconvincing in a 3-1 win over Premier League relegation strugglers Burnley, here’s a look at five players who have not managed to look at their best under the unconventional tactical methods of manager Louis van Gaal…
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1) Angel di Maria
One of the best wingers in the world and Manchester United’s most expensive signing ever at £59.7m, Angel di Maria has bizarrely been used in a variety of different roles, but hardly ever his best one.
The Argentine was recently used upfront by van Gaal and then at the top of the diamond midfield formation, stifling the influence he can have over a game.
2) Wayne Rooney
Despite a good run of goals at the start of the season, Wayne Rooney has been mostly used in midfield by van Gaal and looks unable to influence the game as much as he’d like.
What makes it all the stranger is that United have other players who could fill that role better that aren’t getting as much playing time as a result of Rooney’s use there.
3) Radamel Falcao
A traditional penalty-box poacher, Radamel Falcao has not got as many chances as he might’ve done in a United side of old. Van Gaal’s slow passing philosophy means there are fewer crosses and direct balls into the box, meaning Falcao hasn’t been able to shine.
The Colombian, however, has also been guilty of missing good chances and not being at his best, it must be said.
4) Ander Herrera
A player with a very decent return of three goals and three assists from limited appearances, Ander Herrera has often looked best in an advanced midfield role, but has often been used deeper, if at all, by van Gaal, who doesn’t seem to rate the classy Spaniard.
All this despite spending big money on bringing him to Old Trafford from Athletic Bilbao in the summer.
5) Luke Shaw
Often asked to play as a wing-back due to van Gaal’s preference for a three-man defence, Luke Shaw has had to adapt to a different role after being schooled to play as part of a back four in the approach much more common in the English game.
Still young, the teenager could no doubt grow into the position, but it has been a tough change to make in his first season at his new club.