United's future looks good

Well well, for the first time since Fergie retired, United are back to where their fans think they should be- the top of the table. Although the kind of football played still doesn’t set hearts racing, but the “philosophy” is slowly being put to action. Not many clubs in the world can pull off 44 pass moves that ultimately results in a goal. And there are not many center backs in the world, who can come up with defence splitting passes resulting in goals, 2 times in a week.

Van Gaal’s philosophy is based on the very basic premise of football that as long as you have the ball, the opponent cannot score. No wonder, despite not having a particularly strong back-4, United have been amongst the teams conceding the least goals ever since Van Gaal arrived.

But, what excites the Old Trafford faithful the most is the injection of youth in the squad, and the infinite potential that the players seem to have. Despite all of Van Gaal’s success across countries, perhaps his most enduring legacy will be his record of promoting youth and making world class footballers out of relative unknowns. Xavi, Iniesta, Muller, Schweinsteiger and Kluivert are some of the names that immediately spring to mind. And he is doing exactly the same at United.

When United bid 36 million pound for a relative unknown from Monaco on deadline day, it was the gambling equivalent of going all-in in a Blackjack. With every minute Martial plays, it looks like Woodward and co ended up with 21 in the Blackjack game. Showing composure beyond his tender age, he reminds of a young Nicolas Anelka who helped Arsenal win the League and Cup double in the 1997-98 season. Martial has everything that a modern day center forward needs. He runs at players, has strength to hold up play, links well with the other forwards, and has boundless energy. And yes, he is ruthless in front of goal. There will be barren runs and there will be the inevitable injuries. But from the early looks of it, Manchester United seemed to have unearthed a gem.

Anthony Martial has been a revelation so far at Manchester United


Another player who United bought with the future in mind is Memphis Depay. He reminds every one of the 18 year old Ronaldo that Fergie brought to Old Trafford. Of course, Memphis, like the Ronaldo of 2003, is a long long way from the finished product. But, that ability to dribble past players at pace is something that cannot be taught. And Memphis definitely has it. Better decision making, as in when to pass, when to shoot and when to take on a defender, will come with time. If he puts in the effort that Ronaldo did, there is no reason why he can’t emulate the other greats who had put on the Number 7 jersey.

In Andreas Perreira and Wilson, United have 2 more exciting talents waiting to take the premier league by storm. And with Van Gaal, you can be rest assured that they will get their chance this season. Adnan Januzaz will definitely return as a better player from his loan spell at Dortmund. If these players develop to their potential, United will have one of the most lethal attacks, not just in England, but in Europe.

United’s defence also has a similar potential for becoming the best in the league. Luke Shaw, before his unfortunate injury, was the best left back in the league this season. Darmian also looks assured both in defence and attack. Chris Smalling has to be in the shortlist for the most improved player this season. In fact, he is the perfect example of what can be the outcome if you show patience with someone possessing tons of natural talent. He looks a completely different player from the one who had a brain freeze and got himself sent off against City last season. And if somehow they can convince De Gea to stay, this defence will not be easy to score again


Add to this mix the experience of Rooney, Mata, Schweinsteiger, Blind, Carrick and Young, and suddenly United look every bit like a team that can compete on all fronts in the years to come. Although it is extremely unlikely that United will win the league this season, but the month of October( Arsenal away, City at home, Everton away and CSKA away) will reveal a lot about the current team. But, whatever happens in October, come the 2016-17 season and beyond, United are well placed to compete for the title.

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