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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):
Show all 11 1 /11Manchester United alternate XI Manchester United alternate XI GK: David De Gea No question over the place of the brilliant Spaniard; one of the best goalkeepers in the world.
Manchester United alternate XI RB: Rafael For whatever reason, the Brazilian seems to have completely lost the trust of Van Gaal and only started six matches in the Premier League, and not since 26 October, with winger Antonio Valencia starting in defence instead. But Rafael, although sometimes very rash, is a good defender, always gives his 100 per cent and is an asset going forward. He would be an upgrade over Valencia.
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Manchester United alternate XI CB: Chris Smalling A long way from the finished article, Smalling has all the tools to be a top class centre-back but appears to lack the calmness or reading of the game to truly make the next step. Has been United's most reliable centre-back this season when fit, but the club certainly need to upgrade in the summer.
Manchester United alternate XI CB: Phil Jones Like Smalling, Jones has all the tools but he too can make rash decisions and would be better with a more experienced head alongside him. Only just coming back from injury so if Shaw is fit Rojo should play in the middle.
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Manchester United alternate XI LB: Marcos Rojo Whether playing at centre-back, on the left of a back three, at wing back or at left-back, there haven't been too many complaints about Rojo, who on the whole has looked decent. He's decent on the ball and strong (if a little rash) in the tackle, and by and large a good defender. If Luke Shaw - who has enjoyed a mixed season but shown potential - is fit enough he should start, with Rojo replacing Phil Jones in the centre.
Manchester United alternate XI CM: Ander Herrera That Ander Herrera has only started nine Premier League matches this season is a complete mystery to most. He has three goals and three assists in the league, is strong in the tackle, good on the ball and, unlike Carrick and Blind who like to stay deep, is willing to get up and support his forwards with late runs. Has been starting recently but needs a run of games next to Carrick.
Manchester United alternate XI CM: Michael Carrick Daley Blind is a firm Van Gaal favourite but despite showing a couple of neat touches here and there, he offers very little as a central midfielder. He plays in a very safe manner, only ever going sideways and backwards and rarely breaking forward or creating chances. The same accusations have been thrown at Carrick over the years but he is better - Manchester United's best performances this season (in December/January) have come with Carrick pulling the strings.
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Manchester United alternate XI RW: Antonio Valencia Proved yet again that he is not a right-back. Terrible against Arsenal, he was partially to blame for the first goal, when he turned his back on Oxlade-Chamberlain, and completely to blame for the second goal with a poor back pass. But he is a very effective and direct winger and should be restored to his proper position - if Ashley Young is not fit enough to play.
Manchester United alternate XI AM: Juan Mata The brilliant Spaniard must be wondering what he must do - besides grow a foot taller and add a stone of muscle - to make it in the Premier League. He was brilliant at Chelsea before moving to Old Trafford and when he has played he possesses the kind of creative instincts Van Gaal favourite Marouane Fellaini could only dream of.
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Manchester United alternate XI LW: Adnan Januzaj Never mind his latest diving incident against Arsenal, the talented Belgian has been vastly underused by Van Gaal. Part of that is because Di Maria has to play but now he is out, the Belgian should start. He showed too much promise in his debut season to be so marginalised. If Ashley Young is fit enough to play he should start on the left with Januzaj moving to the right instead of Valencia.
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Manchester United alternate XI ST: Wayne Rooney Playing Rooney in midfield isn't the worst option, he can play there in a pinch, but you lose so much by not playing him up top. He is such a dynamic force at his best that he has to play - it's not like Van Persie and Falcao have been on fire when they have played. Three goals in three games since returning to the front line shows his quality.
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