Manchester United's possible Starting XI for 2014/15

Pain. Despair. Fear. Disappointment. And lastly, disbelief. These are the things which David Moyes’ 10-month tenure at Manchester United brought. No one could have imagined how atrocious Sir Alex Ferguson’s choice would turn out to be.Moyes’ problems were evident right from the start. From a below-average pre-season to a disastrous transfer window to underperforming players, the situation seemed to worsen as time elapsed. However, a high presented itself in the form of Ryan Giggs’ appointment as interim manager and the Old Trafford faithful were relieved that the ‘Moyes Nightmare’ had finally ended.After enduring such a horrible campaign, the red half of Manchester deserved something special and they got it in the form of the appointment of Louis Van Gaal. The former Ajax, Bayern Munich and Barcelona manager has managed to conquer every league he’s been associated with, and the United supporters were more than happy to have a manager who ‘knew how to win’.Given the kind of transfer window United experience last summer, many had expected them to show a statement of intent this time around and go around splurging cash and getting the players they’ve been yearning for. We’re right at the end of June and to everyone’s surprise, United have managed to pull off two fantastic signings in the form of Ander Herrera and Luke Shaw.What makes these signings special is the position in which these players ply their trade. Herrera is a young, intelligent and exciting central midfielder who is expected to solve United’s never ending midfield woes. On the other hand, Luke Shaw is one of the brightest prospects in world football at the moment and promises to excel in his left-back position and go on to become one of the best full backs to have ever played the game.The problem for Van Gaal will be the number of options he has when it comes to choosing a central-attacking-midfielder to play behind Robin Van Persie. United have Shinji Kagawa, Juan Mata and Wayne Rooney vying for the one available spot on the pitch, which has resulted in Kagawa getting shifted to the left wing and Mata being shifted to the right. They cannot showcase the best that they possess until and unless they are given the chance to play in theirr preferred positions.Below, I have predicted how United could possibly line up next season (future acquisitions not considered) and bring those days of glory back to the Theatre Of Dreams. Formation – 4-2-3-1.

#1 David De Gea

De Gea was undoubtedly one of United’s best and most consistent performer last season, racking up many impressive performances in between the sticks and saving United from humiliation at certain times. De Gea had his share of problems initially after making the switch from Atletico Madrid, but he worked hard, tried to understand the magnitude of the job handed to him and adjusted to the physical quotient of the Premier League.

He is considered as one of the best young goalkeeper’s in the world at the moment and if he keeps on progressing the way he currently is then, he will be the best goalkeeper out there in the next 3-4 years.

#2 Rafael

I wouldn’t have picked the Brazilian in my starting eleven but with Jones and Smalling both occupying centre-back spots and the absence of any sort of back-up in the position has resulted in the automatic inclusion of Rafael in the line-up.

The player had a dismal campaign last season and he just doesn’t seem to improve his lacklustre form. He will have to perform exceptionally well in the pre-season in order to convince Van Gaal to trust him as the right choice for the given role.

#3 Chris Smalling

This tall and strong centre back has shown a lot of promise when he’s been employed in his favourite position, that is, the heart of United’s defence. He’s extremely solid in tackling, fearless and more than a decent header of the ball.

However, his constant shuffling on the pitch at the right-back spot has marred his progress and unless the new boss trusts him in his favoured position, Smalling will remain a promising player and won’t develop into a great defender.

#4 Phil Jones

His case is identical to Smalling’s. Even though he’s started a majority of United’s matches last season, constant injuries and shuffling of positions, like ,Smalling, has hindered the former Blackburn Rovers centre back’s progress.

He started an awful lot of games as a defensive midfielder in order to fill the gaping hole in United’s midfield. With no world class centre back currently in United’s squad, this dynamic duo really have a chance to prove to their new manager that they are up to the task.

#5 Luke Shaw

The 18-year old English full back completed his switch from Southampton to United yesterday for a deal reported to be worth £31.5 million, making him the most expensive teenager in the process.

Shaw has shown massive strides of progress during his time at Southampton and was one of the best left backs in the Premier League last season. He is furiously fast on the attack and is great at tracking back too. His one-on-one encounters are brilliant and his tackling is neat.

All in all, if Shaw continues to progress at Manchester United like he did at Southampton, then it’s only a matter of time before he becomes the best left back in Europe.

#6 Michael Carrick

There is absolutely no doubt in the fact that Carrick has been the backbone of United’s midfield for the past couple of seasons and his presence in and around the team itself is valuable in nurturing young talent and setting an example to them.

With no defensive midfield acquisition made by United as of now, it looks like Carrick will have to step up yet again and be the immovable rock at the heart of United’ defence – a role which he has fulfilled so successfully in the past.

#7 Ander Herrera

New acquisition Herrera boasts of an intelligent footballing brain coupled with an impressive amount of passing abilities. Carrick can be the protective layer in front of the back four while Herrera can operate in an advanced position right at the heart of United’s midfield and dictate the tempo of their game.

The former Athletic Bilbao midfielder also boasts a host of tricks with which he has managed to deceive so many defenders over the course of his career.

Herrera will adapt to life in Manchester real quick as his Spanish teammates David De Gea and Juan Mata will be omnipresent to guide him.

#8 Juan Mata

As stated earlier, the abundance of number 10s at United is a problem and the only solution to it is the sacrifice of one player.

Mata can start on the left for United and as the game progresses, play in a more centralized role which will also allow Luke Shaw to make his mercurial runs from the back.

Given the crossing abilities both Mata and Shaw possess, there won’t be any shortage of quality balls coming into the box for Robin van Persie.

#9 Wayne Rooney

The acquisition of Robin van Persie a couple of seasons back has limited the amount of times Rooney can start in his preferred position. But the striker has seemed to adopt his new position pretty well and has been the heartbeat of Manchester United.

He’s the main orchestrator of their counter attacks and his sublime finishes from long range and impeccable attacking instincts have only helped him in excelling in this position.

There is no doubt of the ability possessed by the former Everton man as he has, time and again, demonstrated how he can ‘carry the team’ on his own.

#10 Antonio Valencia

The Ecuadorian winger’s form dipped drastically last season, although he showed some flashes of his brilliance occasionally which had made him a menace for defenders.

However, he recently signed a new three-year contract with the club which clearly indicates that Van Gaal has invested his faith in the former Wigan man and is ready to bring out the best in him.

When in his prime, Valencia was considered to be one of the best wingers in the world, leave alone Europe.

#11 Robin van Persie

There is nobody as happy as Robin van Persie in the United camp right now.

The appointment of Van Gaal has been a welcome change for the Dutch striker who had reportedly experienced a fall out with Moyes.

If his brillaint performances in the ongoing World Cup are anything to go by, then Manchester United fans are tipped for a goal fest as far as the former Arsenal captain is concerned.