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Can Manchester United’s new boys live up to their predecessors?

Date: 27th September 2014 at 12:19 pm
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angel unitedAt Manchester United as with countless clubs, a shirt number is significant.

With a whole batch of players filling up shirt numbers, are they the right person for the job?

Given the money spent by new boss Louis van Gaal, Manchester United and their fans would certainly hope so!

We have taken a look at the new boys and just who they have replaced – and if they can live up to expectation.

Angel di Maria is arguably now in possession of Manchester United’s most famous shirt, the vacant number 7, with Di Maria becoming the most expensive player in the Premier League.

There is no doubt of Di Maria’s ability, proven at not only Real Madrid but also for Argentina in the World Cup.

After scoring twice in as many games, fans are excited to see what is to come from Di Maria – and to see if he can live up to the shirt formerly worn by the likes of Ronaldo, Best and Beckham.

Adnan Januzaj became a fan favourite in a rather dire season last term under David Moyes.

He’s only 19 years old, and has shown great potential in the squad. When Ryan Giggs announced his retirement, he asked that the number 11 shirt he had been wearing for more than 20 years did not retire with him.

So, Januzaj was promoted to Ryan Giggs’ old number for the new season. But one can’t help but feel this is all a little premature. Roll on a few seasons and this may be more appropriate, when he has proven himself more.

Luke Shaw (Man United)Luke Shaw who cost a whopping £30 million signing from Southampton inherits the number three shirt – previously won by Patrice Evra.

In his eight and a half years at United, Evra became a constant in the team, a key player and his love for the club won over fans.

Yet after picking up an injury and becoming a target for the media under Louis Van Gaal, Shaw isn’t exciting anyone bar the paparazzi and bar tenders in and around Manchester City centre.

Daley Blind, who of course knows manager Louis van Gaal well, came from Ajax and was the Dutch Footballer of the Year. He inherits the number 17 shirt, most recently worn by Nani, who has moved on to pastures new at Sporting Lisbon.

Considering how things panned out for Nani last season, a new number 17 is wholly welcome at Old Trafford.

Blind showed plenty of potential in his debut against QPR and it is clear to see that he is the player United have been crying out for. 

Leicester City v Manchester United - Barclays Premier LeagueRadamel Falcao is one of the biggest names in football and United went to the wire on Deadline Day to secure the prolific Colombian on loan.

It has been two years since United have had a player wear the number nine shirt – a spot previously filled by none other than Dimitar Berbatov.

Fickle fans may have nothing good to say about Berba anymore, but they are quick to forget how important he was at United.

The top goalscorer in the 10/11 season – which helped United win yet another title.

Falcao has bigger shoes to fill than you might think. 

Manchester United fans. Can these players live up to the expectations you have of them or will they be a massive flop? Let us know your thoughts below or tweet us @LaFootyettes.

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