Too good to fail!

It’s been a busy first transfer window to say the least for new Manchester United boss Louis Van Gaal racking up a transfer spend of around 150 million pounds, the biggest in the Premier League, but was this money well spent?

Van Gaal’s poor start to the season, seeing United gain only 2 points from a possible 9, could have led to some panic buying on transfer deadline day, Falcao’s deadline day loan switch was a surprise to many, his class is undoubted but considering United’s defensive frailty the transfer is questionable.

Manchester United already own arguably two of the best strikers in the Premier League with Van Persie and Rooney so despite the quality of Falcao’s addition is it necessary? At the back the situation is of stark contrast, the central defence area is very weak and the likes of Phil Jones, Jonny Evans and Chris Smalling would not be considered anywhere near the best defenders in the Premier League.

The signing of Angel Di Maria is one which is hard to find fault in, United lack a pacey winger like Di Maria and a man that won man of the match in last seasons Champions League final is sure to add something to a team, he may have been overpriced but he is destined to be a success at Old Trafford.

The additions of Ander Herrera and Daley Blind are both exciting and will bolster the midfield but you feel they still need a top midfield maestro to replace the legend that was Paul Scholes.

Despite topping the transfer spend table United and Van Gaal have failed to really strengthen their back four, a position that looks very weak considering Ferdinand, Vidic and Evra have just departed.

The acquisition of Luke Shaw is sure to pay off in the long-term but it is unclear whether he can step up to the mark as a Manchester United player this early in his career, Marcus Rojo who signed for 16 million pounds is a gamble considering going into the World Cup Rojo was widely considered by Argentines as their weak link at the back.

Based on Van Gaal’s work in the transfer market it appears he may be taking Brendan Rodgers and Liverpool’s attempt to outscore teams and almost disregard the defending, a system that despite its apparent lack of organisation is not that easy to perfect.

Liverpool played at a frantic pace last season making it almost impossible for them to be stopped on the counter with Sterling and Sturridge leading the charge but it remains to be seen other than Di Maria do United have the speed within the team to accomplish this system.

The aim for Van Gaal is to guide his team back to Champions League football and by looking at the quality in the squad Rooney, Falcao, Van Persie, Mata, Herrera, Di Maria, surely they are too good to fail, or are they?

Signing so many new players can have a negative effect on a team as Spurs found out last season, it is near impossible to predict what kind of season lies ahead for Manchester United, should the players gel quickly it could be wonderful but if things are slow to take off it could be another woeful season for the Premier League’s most successful club.