Is Pedro United’s solution?

Though United won their first game of the season against Tottenham, the team looked unconvincing, and lacks perfect balance and pattern. United have been active during this transfer window bringing in not least than five players. Despite these signings it is still amazing that Van Gaal still has a lot to fix in the team. A lot of fans still expect to see one or two signings.

One of such signing that has been constantly linked with a move to United is Barcelona forward Pedro. Speculations are that he would be a replacement to departed record signing Di Mara. A lot has been speculated about the move, some favouring an announcement after the UEFA Super Cup.

But with the news that Neymar is injured and expected to be out for about two weeks, that saga may take some time before coming to an end.  A lot of fans and pundit including Arsenal Legend Henry believes the Spaniard would be a good purchase for United.  

An in-depth look at United victory over Tottenham clearly reveals some basic problem van Gaal must solve.

Problems Van Gaal must solve 

      1.     Who is United number one goalkeeper?

It a little awkward that a team like United will be stating a season without knowing its first choice keeper. As it stands De Gea’s United future remains uncertain.   New signing Romero did a fantastic and match winning job against Tottenham on Saturday, and such performance would be a perfect starting ground for a good season and his era. But with De Gea still in the picture, nothing is certain. And with Valdes still around, though Van Gaal says he’s out of his plan, his presence may not be too
good for the harmony among the shot stoppers.  If Romero would be the number one choice, he’d be as quickly as possible put under special training to improve him to that United standard. Anyone selected have got to form a good bound and communication connection with the defenders and the general tam. The earlier the better.     

2.      What’s united strongest defensive line up?

For now Smalling and Blind looks like the best available best central defensive paring for United. Jones is inured and expected to be out for around three weeks and Rojo is not yet fully fit. Smalling was exceptional against Spurs and United fans will want such performance from him week in week out. But can and will he deliver? Blind is a midfielder turn defender and as such defensive perfection may not be expected from him. Rojo may soon be back, but that may mean shuffling the defence again, a practice that was Van Gaal’s trademark last season. A lot expected United’s reinforcement to start from the defence, but It seems Van Gaal has other plans.

  

      3.     What’s United perfect midfield combination?

United had always lacked a player that can stand in for Michael Carrick, in about two seasons.  But with the double signing of schneiderlin and Schweinsteiger, and Fellaini still around, that defensive midfield area is blessed and Van Gaal problem would be how to pick the best combination. On the attacking front Van Gaal may also face such problem. With Mata, Herrera. Young, Januzaj, and again Fellaini all fighting for one or two positions. Van Gaal may be having a little headache picking the right player at the right time for the right match.

     4.       Where is Memphis best position?

His best performances for his former club were from the wing. His pace, swift foot, ability to beat one, two men seems he’s going to be better for United on the flanks. But coach van Gaal seems to have other ideas, and prefers him to play behind the lone striker, as was the case against Tottenham. But his best moves and highlights from the game against Spurs were when he initiated the attack form the wings.  And with the boy wearing the jersey number 7, previously worn by United
legendary wingers including David Beckham and C.Ronaldo. That may just be a pointer to the boy’s United’s future. With time Van Gaal may begin to switch him from one position to another, putting additional pressure on him to deliver.  

A lot about this transfer is that Pedro would be Di Maria’s replacement. The question is do United really need to replace Di Maria? Can’t Memphis be his perfect younger replacement? at present United have got a lot of wingers or players that can play on the wing and give the team fantastic performance. Van Gaal’ s team currently have more pressing needs than replacing Di Maria or buying another player who is in his late twenties and may need a lot of time to settle in.

Signing a top central defender should be the topmost priority for United. No doubt Manchester United will score goals, but with its current array of defenders, the team looks like one that will surely concede goals too.

Signing another top striker is also more important than signing another multi-positional player that Van Gaal would most likely rotate in a number of positions again.