• Home
  • Blog / Should Manchester United have continued strengthening this January?
Van Gaal Man Utd

Should Manchester United have continued strengthening this January?

Despite spending over £150 million throughout what turned out to be a very expensive summer, Louis van Gaal and his new stars are yet to truly set the Premier League alight, and see Manchester United regain their lofty place in the league table.

It may not be for the want of trying, but seeing as the Dutchman has assembled a ‘Galacticos’ inspired squad that could test even the very best Europe has to offer (on paper at least), United’s somewhat so-so 2014/15 campaign leaves a lot to be desired.

 

The Red Devil’s defence still carries with it the shakiness of last season, the Manchester United management seem unable to decide what their best midfield is, and despite the likes of Robin van Persie, Radamel Falcao, Wayne Rooney and Angel Di Maria often playing in the same side, goal-scoring sprees have hardly been a regular event for the Old Trafford faithful this season.

 

The 2014/15 campaign remains far from over of course, but although United have failed to show their full potential so far this season, the January transfer window remained a surprisingly quiet time for Louis van Gaal. Within the context of such news, should the Red Devils have continued strengthening this winter, or does the current Manchester United squad remain good enough to achieve the club’s grand ambitions?

 

Is Manchester United's Squad Good Enough?

For one thing, United’s third place in the Premier League may not seem that impressive when compared to their side’s achievements of old, but it doesn’t signal any kind of disaster, crisis or major issue involving the club’s current course of action. This is after-all a transition phase for the van Gaal’s team, which despite being very expensively assembled, requires a bedding-in period just like any other group of players.

 

David Moyes’ ill-fated, yet perhaps unavoidable, Old Trafford struggles ushered in a proposed new era for the historic club. The Manchester United bosses saw Louis van Gaal’s appointment as the perfect chance to start rebuilding the club – they gave him a strong three year contract, and backed him effectively in the transfer market at a result of their investment. Whilst returning to title winning ways would have obviously been the dream way forward, United still hold a commanding position over the Champions League places, and as there still remains a good portion of the season to be played, title dreams may not be over just yet.

 

However, such hopes were likely given a slight dent when the Red Devils opted against getting the chequebook out again this January. Yes – the likes of Victor Valdes will certainly add a good bit of experience and know-how to the Manchester United dressing room, but as many of van Gaal’s players already possess such traits, the former Barcelona keeper simply won’t be able to have a huge influence over what ultimately happens on the pitch. 

 

In complete comparison to the Rio Ferdinand/Nemanja Vidic days under Sir Alex, the Red Devils’ defence still lacks a great deal of solidarity and cohesion across the back line. The likes of Phil Jones and Marcos Rojo may prove willing runners and blockers, but their defencive organisation just isn’t the most reliable or trustworthy. Potentially promising young talents, such as Paddy McNair, will likely have their impact in the future for sure, but it remains somewhat surprising how much responsibility van Gaal has given them right in the here and now.

 

Ultimately Ezeqiuel Garay and Matts Hummels may remain strong defensive targets throughout this coming summer, but any potential move linking them to Old Trafford will likely involve Manchester United’s Champions League status, and whether or not they will qualify for next season’s tournament.

 

Louis van Gaal’s belief in his young players must be credited however. He could reap the full reward of making such a move by the end of the season, but even if such decisions don’t come off, the likes of McNair, Blackett and Wilson will most probably become better players because of this season’s experiences. As the future may therefore be Louis van Gaal’s ultimate time to shine at Old Trafford, perhaps the Dutchman already has all the right tools at his disposal…for now at least.

 

Bet on our football betting tips involving Manchester United with Bet365 and get up to £200 free when you register, plus losing bets on any match that ends 0-0 refunded.

 

***SIGNUP TO BET365 HERE AND GET UP TO £200 FREE***

Thatsagoal.com Team

Thatsagoal.com Team

The team behind the betting tips and offers brought to you across thatsagoal.com.
Tags: ,