Manchester United fans in the Football Transfer Tavern are gearing up for their biggest match of the season on Sunday.
The Red Devils travel to Anfield to take on bitter rivals Liverpool, in a game that could well decide who finishes the season in the top four and qualifies for the Champions League.
Whilst Louis van Gaal’s side have been struggling for consistent form this season and delivering the free-flowing attacking football that United fans have been so accustomed to, they did manage their most impressive performance of the season last time out.
The way in which United swept aside Tottenham 3-0 on Sunday will give supporters confidence they can go and get a result at the home of their North west rivals this weekend.
Whilst van Gaal says the top four is the title United are playing for this term, they hope next season will be different.
No side has spent more money then United over the past couple of years, and this summer they look set to splash the cash even more.
Here we have identified the dream starting XI for supporters kicking off next season.
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Click on Louis van Gaal to reveal the Dream Manchester United XI
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David De Gea
Is there a better goalkeeper in Europe at the moment?
The Spaniard has been by far and away United’s best player of the past two seasons, and even the most stubborn United fan would not be able to say they would be in the top four without him.
His performances have caught the attention of Real Madrid, and it is crucial United hang onto him this summer.
Nathaniel Clyne
The Saints right-back has been outstanding this season, whilst United have often been forced to use natural winger Antonio Valencia in a defensive position.
Rafael has struggled for consistent form and fitness for a couple of years now, and Clyne would be a fine replacement.
He has worked his way into the England set up recently as well, after a series of excellent displays defensively and going forward for Ronald Koeman’s side.
Nemanja Vidic
There is no doubt the Serb is regarded as one of the best defenders of the Premier League era.
He has struggled to make any sort of impact in Serie A with Inter Milan since his move on a free transfer last summer, and reports have continued to link him with a return to Old Trafford.
United fans would surely jump at the chance to have him back over the likes of Phil Jones, Chris Smalling and Jonny Evans.
Raphael Varane
The Frenchman has been superb over the past couple of seasons at Real Madrid, yet reports continue to link him with a move to the Premier League.
At just 22, Carlo Ancelotti has often gone for the more experienced centre back partnership of Pepe and Sergio Ramos at the Bernabeu.
Varane would be a guaranteed starter week in week out at Old Trafford, with reports suggesting he could be available in the summer for a bargain £19million.
Luke Shaw
It has hardly been a memorable debut season for Luke Shaw at Old Trafford, following his summer move from Southampton for a massive £30million.
It is easy to forget that Shaw is still only 19 however, and his season has been plagued by injury problems.
He was not considered worth that amount of money for no reason, whilst just 12 months ago the England international was being hailed as one of the countries brightest young prospects.
Next season he may well come good in that left back role.
Paul Pogba
It seems not a day goes past when someone at Manchester United does not stop to rue the decision to let Paul Pogba leave the club on a free transfer.
The France international has gone on to establish himself as one of the world’s best midfielders at Juventus, and has been consistently linked with a return to the Premier League.
United have been attempting to force themselves back to the front of the queue for his signature, but may find themselves competing with Real Madrid who are said to be willing to pay a massive £70million for his services.
Kevin Strootman
United have been in need of an out and out defensive midfielder for more than two years now, and Roma’s Dutch international is somebody who has been mentioned often as a candidate to fill the role.
Strootman has only recently returned to full fitness after a nasty injury, and is a player Louis van Gaal knows well from his time in charge of the Netherlands.
Some reports have gone as far to suggest a deal has already been struck with Roma for the classy midfielder.
Juan Mata
Plenty of Manchester United fans have been left confused by the fact Juan Mata has often been left out of the starting line up by van Gaal this season.
And when he has played, he has often been moved out wide than in his preferred central position.
If used correctly, there are few better playmakers in European football.
With the club having spent close to £40million on him a little over 12 months ago, van Gaal really should be doing more to get the best out of the former Chelsea man with a formation that suits his skills.
Angel Di Maria
The Argentine is United’s club record signing, having joined for £59.8million from Real Madrid in the summer.
He has done little to justify such a massive price tag, but there have been flashes of brilliance that suggest he could yet prove a major asset.
Having had a season to adjust to English football, if Di Maria can stay fit next season and earn a run of consecutive matches without getting injured, he might just start to prove himself as a Premier League star.
Wayne Rooney
Still very much Manchester United’s main man.
Wayne Rooney is the captain and talisman at Old Trafford, but this season has been disrupted by the fact Louis van Gaal has often looked to play him as a midfielder.
The England captain is very much at his best playing as a central striker, and should be ahead of the likes of Robin van Persie and Radamel Falcao for the role alongisde new signings next season.
Gareth Bale
United narrowly missed out on the signing of the Welshman in the summer of 2013, with Real Madrid pipping them to his signature with a world record bid.
Bale may have won the Champions League in his first season at the Bernabeu, but it has not all been easy.
He has often been booed by his own supporters this term, which has started whispers of a summer return to the Premier League.
Manchester United are thought to be at the front of the queue for the former Tottenham man, who may well be keen to return to a league where he is loved and admired.
