Louis van Gaal should pick this alternate Manchester United XI against Tottenham

Dutch coach needs to drop some of his favourites and bring in fringe players

Tom Sheen
Friday 13 March 2015 13:22 GMT
Comments
Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal
Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal (Getty Images)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Louis van Gaal's Manchester United might be fourth in the Premier League and looking strong to return to the Champions League after a season exiled, but they are a club in crisis.

One of the most profitable and popular three clubs in world football, United may be in a better position in the league under their Dutch coach than they were a year ago under David Moyes, but that comes after a massive summer spending spree and a similarly poor brand of football.

Defeat to Arsenal on Monday night means the club are facing another trophyless season - barring a very unlikely title tilt - while supporters at Old Trafford were heard booing the team against Sunderland after a tepid display.

We outlined what Van Gaal must do between now and the end of the season to make a proper long-term improvement, but with up to five first-team players potentially missing for the game against Tottenham on Sunday, he has a huge decision to make with his team selection in the immediate future.

With Angel Di Maria and Jonny Evans suspended, Robin van Persie still missing and both Ashley Young and Luke Shaw possibly missing after picking up knocks against Arsenal, Van Gaal has a chance at radical change.

It starts with dropping favourites Marouane Fellaini and Daley Blind...

Here's a possible XI (4-2-3-1):

For more football news and views follow us on Twitter @IndyFootball

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in