United again: Red Devils ready for pulsating season

Having previously coached some of Europe’s finest sides, including Ajax, Barcelona and Bayern Munich, the Dutchman is no stranger to the pressure for success, and recently took a seemingly average and depleted Netherlands team to the World Cup semi-finals.

Most fans would admit there are still glaring holes in the side that need to be fixed. It is not yet apparent, however, whether United, who often seem to cling to idealistic and perhaps outdated notions on transfer and agent fees, will secure their top targets.

As each day passes, much-needed addition arriving to partner Herrera looks less and less likely, with Arturo Vidal seeming a distant dream, and Darren Fletcher being named vice-captain.

Fresh faces in defence are a much higher priority at the moment, as despite United’s much-maligned midfield options sticking out like sore thumbs when compared to Europe’s elite, they do have enough bodies to compete.

With a switch to three at the back, and the injury-prone nature of Jonny Evans, Phil Jones and Chris Smalling, all who have yet to truly solidify a place in the starting XI, reinforcements are urgently required.

Academy youngsters Tyler Blackett and Michael Keane have impressed on tour and should win squad places, but it would be unfair to rest an entire campaign’s hopes on their young shoulders.

Sporting Lisbon centre back Marcos Rojo has been heavily linked with a move to the Old Trafford outfit, and his versatility would also allow him to provide cover at left back. However, the Portuguese giants appear to be digging their heels in to thwart the potential deal and milk all they can from a transfer.

It remains to be seen whether the reported bid to make Rojo a Red Devil has ended Van Gaal’s apparent interest in Dutch utility man Daley Blind, or whether the Ajax defender is still on the radar regardless.

Disposing of the deadwood would also go some way to banishing the ghosts of Moyes’ reign, with Old Trafford outcasts such as Anderson and Marouane Fellaini rumoured to be headed for the axe.

The value of strength in depth has already been illustrated by injuries to Michael Carrick, Rafael, Luke Shaw and Antonio Valencia, though, and may convince Van Gaal to give a stay of execution to some.

Former Clockwork Orange coach Van Gaal has already shown he can rehabilitate seeming lost causes, with Ashely Young revived by his redeployment as a wing back. This will offer glimmers of hope for fringe players such as Shinji Kagawa and Wilfried Zaha.

Having lost a host of experience, following the exits of veterans Patrice Evra, Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic, Van Gaal will be counting on senior players such as Juan Mata, Robin van Persie and new skipper Wayne Rooney to provide leadership.

The talented trio failed to fully gel in attack together last term, and if this new formation which allows all three to play in their favoured positions does not bear fruit, the former Barca boss will not be afraid to bench a superstar or two.

There are several youngsters waiting in the wings to provide competition and who may offer a more dynamic option up front, including Danny Welbeck, last term’s standout debutant Adnan Januzaj, Wigan loan star Nick Powell and fledgling forward James Wilson.

One of the most tantalising aspects of Van Gaal’s appointment will be watching the world class coach work with United’s academy stars, especially if his efforts on tour with Blackett, Keane and Reece James are anything to go by.

It is always risky to pin hopes on pre-season form, but if United, who are 9/4 to be top northwest club, can continue to build on the electrifying team displays shown so far, Red Devils fans can expect an exciting season ahead.