Manchester United bought virtually a whole new team under the management of Louis van Gaal but results didn’t arrive as hoped. We take a look at how they fared.
Memphis Depay £25,000,000
A wonderfully gifted footballer but creative players, especially young ones, need an arm around the shoulder. Like Angel di Maria, LvG left Memphis to rot on the bench. Sir Alex would surely have played him through the erratic months, as he did with Ronaldo. Should still prove to be a top player – for someone.
Signing rating: 8
Matteo Darmian £12,700,000
Another who looks short on confidence. But Jose may be keen to use the Italy international.
6
Morgan Schneiderlin £24,000,000
We applauded his signing but, be it because of a bad system or poor form, the Frenchman hasn’t impressed, despite his best efforts and much energy expended. Does he have the technique for an elite team?
4
Bastian Schweinsteiger £6,500,000
An expensive veteran who simply doesn’t have the pace or athleticism for the top level any more.
3
Sergio Romero Free
A decent if inconsistent understudy.
4
Anthony Martial £35,000,000
Easily LvG’s best signing and his low profile made it an even better coup. Martial will be one of the top three players in the world in the next couple of years. Frighteningly good.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zVnrDZ7clHc
9
Regan Poole £400,000
Looked decent in his first team cameo.
5
Vanja Milinković Undisclosed
Hasn’t played
N/A
Ander Herrera £29,000,000
The Spaniard is clearly talented and has more dynamism than his compatriot Juan Mata. But he is so hot and cold – just as likely to hit a key pass as he is to give the ball straight to the opposition. Jury Out.
6
Luke Shaw £27,000,000
Had Shaw stayed fit Manchester United would have been a far more dynamic and convincing side. Has a great future.
9
Marcos Rojo £16,000,000
A solid defender when fit. We think Jose might like him too. No nonsense, strong and with decent pace.
7
Ángel Di María £59,700,000
Exactly what Manchester United needed this season – imagine him on one wing and Martial on the other. But LvG mismanaged him on a grand scale.
7
Daley Blind £13,800,000
A Steady Eddie with nice feet. But lacks the pace and power required to be a top centre back in this league.
6
Victor Valdez Free
Another who fell out with The Iron Tulip
4
Sadiq El Fitouri Free
N/A