Wayne Rooney is convinced Manchester United’s new stars will bring the glory days back to Old Trafford.
Radamel Falcao, Daley Blind, Marcos Rojo and Luke Shaw are all in contention to make their debuts today when QPR go to Old Trafford. Harry Redknapp’s side will also have to deal with British record signing Angel di Maria and expensive midfielder Ander Herrera, who has recovered from an ankle injury.
Facing such a stellar cast of stars is a daunting prospect for the Hoops, newly back in the top-flight, and Rooney hopes the sextet of new signings will cause havoc for the remainder of the campaign.
He said: “Obviously, last season we weren’t good enough, so the time was right to go and get these top players to get us back to where we belong – to winning titles again.
“It’s interesting times, exciting times, we have not had the best of starts, but we will come good.”
Just how Van Gaal packs the six players into his team has been the source of much debate ever since the transfer window closed nearly two weeks ago.
Changing the 3-5-2 system he has used all season may be one way of accommodating his new stars.
Van Gaal made it clear on the pre-season tour of the United States that his long-term aim was to line United up in the 4-3-3 formation he has preferred for the majority of his successful management career.
The addition of Di Maria gives Van Gaal’s squad more width, but the Dutchman may, at some point, have to consider dropping either Juan Mata or Robin van Persie.
Rooney thinks he, Van Persie and Falcao can operate together in a front three, but the United captain will be happy to play in whatever system Van Gaal chooses.
“Falcao is a great signing,” Rooney said. “He is a world-class player so it’s a great show of intent from the club and I am looking forward to working with him.
“Hopefully, we will form a good partnership between him, myself and Robin. It’s down to the manager how he chooses to play. With myself, Falcao, Robin van Persie, Di Maria, and Mata there is a great selection of players to pick from.”