There has been constant publicity surrounding Manchester United this season. After a dreadful 2013/2014 season under the tenure of David Moyes, new instalment Louis Van Gaal didn’t exactly spark Old Trafford alight. After losses against the likes of Swansea City, and League One outfit MK Dons in the Capital One Cup second round, questions were being asked, and the United fans were thinking ‘not again’. However, as the season progresses, the Red Devils look as though they could become a force again, and after two wins on the spin, the Salford side entered into the top four of the Premier League for the first time in a year.
Despite results looking a lot more positive, and Van Gaal attracting big names to club like Falcao, Angel Di Maria and Ander Herrera knowing they won’t be participating in the Champions League, questions are still be asked about the United backline.
Ever since the former Bayern Munich and Ajax chief took the reins at United, he has always stuck with his philosophy of a 3-5-2 formation. He has also stuck with putting faith in the youngsters in order for them to perform and the highest level. One of Sir Alex Ferguson’s greatest quotes was ‘if your good enough, your old enough’, and Van Gaal looks as though he is sticking with that tradition. With an injury hit squad, the likes of Tyler Blackett, Paddy McNair and others on the fringes have had to make the quick step up from the development squad to the first team.
Blackett is the youth product that has made the most impact in the first team in the 2014/2015 season, starting in every game under Van Gaal until he was sent off in the 5-3 loss away at Leicester City. Blackett’s performances in the famous red shirt have been so impressive; the 20 year has even caught the eye of England gaffer Roy Hodgson about a potential call up. Calm, composed and aggressive, the local lad, who had loan spells at Championship sides Blackpool and Birmingham City last season respectively, can become a United great and make Van Gaal think twice about singing a world class centre half that they so desperately need.
Another defender that will hope to persuade Van Gaal to save the cash is Paddy McNair. The injury crisis at United was so bad; the Dutchman was forced to fastrack McNair in the starting line-up in the narrow 2-1 win against West Ham, with Marcos Rojo the only fully fit centre back. Surprisingly, the Northern Ireland under-21 international, who can also play in a defensive midfield role, did not look out of place in the heart of the defence. The similarities between McNair and Blackett are scary. Both composed when under pressure, and they both play the game with fantastic maturity, as if they are seasoned professionals.
Other players like Tom Thorpe and James Wilson, who many feel has a very bright future in Manchester, will look at both Blackett and McNair and be inspired to play against world class players like they are. It’s safe to say that Van Gaal’s persistence of bringing through academy players is promising and will look better for the future.
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