A Van Gaal-led Manchester United ready to bounce back

Manchester United are widely expected to hit their stride but their title credentials remain in question

Following a tumultuous season that saw them miss out on a European spot for the first time since 1990, could the arrival of Dutch boss Louis van Gaal herald a new era for Manchester United?
The widely respected tactician, who has steered the Netherlands to a podium position at the World Cup this summer, is burdened with restoring United's status as a top side following a disappointing seventh-place finish last season.
Letting aside his recent World Cup success, the English competition is not usually accustomed to the arrival of big managerial names in the mold of Van Gaal, who won league titles as coach with Ajax, Barcelona and Bayern Munich.
Arsene Wenger, Rafael Benitez and Jose Mourinho were never considered top managers when they first came to England, even though the latter arrived at Chelsea as a Champions League winner with Porto.
For the aforementioned reasons, it will be exciting to see the van Gaal's tenure at United's helm – with the Dutchman known to be the type of disciplinarian and tactical coach the English side need.
Tactical changes
Unlike other Premier League rivals as Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool, the talking point is not United's summer signings - but rather Van Gaal's tactical philosophy.
Even though using friendlies as a barometer for a team's title-winning chances is usually ill-advised, the kind of dynamic, expansive football Van Gaal introduced into his side has been quite obvious in his side's preseason games.
United were able to score freely, defend solidly and pass the ball confidently on their tour in the United States – proving the notion that there is something new this time around.
Now it's very likely that the Red Devils will use a three-man defence, a strategy they have never been accustomed to under Moyes or long-serving boss Sir Alex Ferguson.
Van Gaal will also probably use a high backline, intensive pressing, and strict man-marking in midfield – as Netherlands' displays at the World Cup may suggest.
Another major tactical change is likely to be United playing much higher up the pitch, especially after the release of veteran defense duo Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic – whose lack of pace usually made United sit far too deep.
And with the likes of Chris Smalling, Jonny Evans and Phil Jones playing every week, United could push forward and attempt to win the ball high up the pitch. However remains whether they are to be trusted for such a risky style of play.
Heart of defense: Lacks cover
Whether United possess the type of players that would fit in a 3-5-2 formation remain to be seen, with midfield and defense believed to be particularly vulnerable.
Even though the release of Ferdinand and Vidic would mean United could press well higher up the pitch now, the loss of the duo means lack of much-needed experience at the back.
Chris Smalling and Phil Jones, who both could well operate at right back, will face the difficult task of leading the backline - given that neither has convinced regularly enough at center-back last season.
But since Van Gaal will be deploying a three-man backline, the experienced Johnny Evans will be ushered in beside the duo; who will not be alone shouldering the responsibility at the heart of defense.
However, the aforementioned trio is the only central defenders available; an injury to anyone of them would put Van Gaal in an unenviable position especially after Thomas Vermaelen's proposed move fell through.
This means United must show enough determination in their pursuit of Germany's Mats Hummels if Van Gaal is to avoid a potential crisis at the back.
Doubt surrounding wingbacks
The wingback position is another issue Van Gaal will need to address; as the role requires an all-round player capable of accomplishing both attacking and defensive duties.
And here is where the problem arises; United's wide men are capable of fulfilling one of the responsibilities only.
Ashley Young and Antonio Valencia are attack-minded wingers, who will have to become defenders should they be selected for that role – though the Ecuadorian has filled in as a right-back on occasion.
If Rafael Da Silva and highly-rated youngster Luke Shaw, signed from Southampton, are named to assume the wingback role, it will be entirely the opposite this time – even though they will have an easier task than Young and Valencia.
Midfield: another crisis
Like defense, the midfield is another area where the alarm bells really ring, with the lack of consistent players and absence of cover may take a huge toll on the side.
Michael Carrick is out injured with an ankle injury for 10 weeks, Marouane Fellaini failed to emulate his Everton heroics last season – leaving van Gaal with Darren Fletcher as the only choice.
Despite his fine form in pre-season friendlies, Fletcher is not the best of performers in that area as United still need to beef up their midfield with a major signing before the window closes.
Manchester, however, have brought in Ander Herrera, a highly-pressing midfielder capable of setting the tempo in that area, but will need to deliver much to convince.
Main strength: attack
United's main strength lies upfront, with the club boasting arguably the best attacking trio in the competition.
Robin Van Persie, Wayne Rooney and Juan Mata are poised to excel for their side should they be deployed in the right formation.
Mata is expected to wreak havoc only if used in his preferred no.10 position, and the reason why Moyes played him on the right wing, where his inventiveness was stifled and weaknesses highlighted, remains unknown.
Dutchman van Persie would benefit from his good working relationship with compatriot Van Gaal and Rooney should excel if deployed alongside Van Persie in a 3-4-1-2 formation.
Danny Welbeck could also prove a wild card if used in front of creative players such as Mata and Herrera, thanks to his pace and ability to run in behind the opposition defense towards goal.
United's objective
United fans could expect an exciting, entertaining side with Van Gaal, but should not go as far as anticipating a league title with a squad not strong enough to compete with Chelsea or Manchester City over the course of a full season.
"They expect a lot and you can't change everything in three or four weeks," the coach said of the Old Trafford fans.
"And the players can't change either. We have to wait and see and develop. We need time but we have won every game up until now and that's fantastic when you see our opponents."
Should United secure a top-four finish this season, it wouldn't be bad at all, given the lack of depth in so many positions.
But strangely enough, United's title-winning chances could change dramatically if they managed to make two or three astute signings in the coming few weeks before the end of the transfer window.
Otherwise, an FA Cup triumph, a trophy they last won in 2004, would be a good outcome.
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