Van Gaal astutely addresses Man Utd’s long-standing midfield issues

It was clear that Sir Alex Ferguson was unwilling to significantly strengthen before his retirement, somehow managing to depend on the likes of Anderson and Cleverley at times. David Moyes then tried to address the alarming midfield problems, but to no avail, missing out on both Thiago Alacantra and Toni Kroos to Bayern Munich and Real Madrid respectively.

Belgium bruiser Fellaini was Moyes’ last-ditch recruit, with the scapegoat turned genuine match-winner earning justified plaudits for his efforts last term in the club’s return to the top four.

Although, next season, with talented ball-playing duo Schweinsteiger and Schneiderlin joining creative forces Juan Mata, Ander Herrera and Michael Carrick, Felliani could see his first-season struggles come flooding back.

With such impressive midfield stars now at his disposal, it’s hard to see Van Gaal maintaining the long-ball approach which worked surprisingly well last term, meaning Fellaini could endure limited game time.

Carrick is widely regarded as one of the club’s best players, and a crucial component in midfield, with Schweinsteiger and Schneiderlin both highly capable of replacing him as the anchor or slotting alongside the Englishman seamlessly.

Spanish pair Herrera and Mata formed a deadly partnership as United’s most advanced midfielders last campaign, highlighted perfectly in the 2-1 triumph over Liverpool at Anfield, and Van Gaal will be keen to avoid hindering their creative prowess.

Daley Blind also became a mainstay of United’s side last term, but could be preferred at left back over Luke Shaw rather than in a central midfield role next season, where the Dutchman performed less convincingly in his debut campaign.

Old Trafford now possesses a wide range of midfield talents who can guide the club back to the summit of the Premier League, help make a successful return to the Champions League (20/1 to win) and end an 11-year wait for an FA Cup coup (7/1).

In what has been a truly exciting summer of arrivals, also including Italy defender Matteo Darmian and talented Memphis Depay, Van Gaal will aim to carry the momentum into next season and bring silverware success back to the red half of Manchester with his revamped squad.