INTERVIEW | Scott from the Republik of Mancunia

The Cockney Red: What did you make of van Gaal's first season in charge?

Republik of Mancunia: It was a bit disappointing, particularly after the pre-season. The football was dreadful for large chunks of the season and after a period of great football, we just seemed to fizzle out at the end. We should have been going for second or third, but as soon as fourth looked safe, it’s as if they gave up. Still, we got a few good wins against our rivals, which was brilliant, and ultimately, achieved the key objective of finishing fourth.





TCR: What do you make of the summer signings – Depay, Darmian, Schweinsteiger and Schneiderlin?

RoM: I like all of them. I had only seen Darmian at the World Cup but he seems to have settled in straight away, although looking better at right back than Valencia probably isn't too tricky! Schweinsteiger should have been bought five years ago, but you can't complain about having someone like him in the squad. Schneiderlin is just what we need in midfield. Memphis has struggled the most so far but I'm confident he will come good.





TCR: A lot has been made of Rooney's poor performances during the opening two games of the season – as he fast approaches 30 do you think this is the beginning of the end for him at United? Or do you think it's still far too early to right him off and he will in fact produce the goods this season?

RoM: I think Rooney could still do a job for us, but not leading the line. We need a proper striker up top. The question then is whether he’s better than the players we have already playing behind the striker. Still, he'd likely be much better in this linking role than up front.





TCR: Who has impressed you so far this season?

RoM: Rooney. Just kidding. Smalling has looked good, as has Juan Mata. I think they're all just finding their feet.





TCR: Who do you predict will be our best, most important player this season and why?

RoM: I think Schweinsteiger and Schneiderlin can make a huge difference to our season. Having a solid midfield, for the first time in years, should be great for us. I’d like to see more from Juan Mata this season and it's a shame for Ander Herrera, who I think could be very important, but doesn't seem to float Van Gaal's boat.





TCR: Throughout the transfer window van Gaal has suggested that United's spending this summer isn't over – who else would you like to see arrive at United?

RoM: A central defender and a striker. In an ideal world, Stones and Benzema, but that won’t happen.





TCR: I recently wrote a piece on Di Maria and how he should stay, win back the fans and become a United legend. Of course the situation became beyond repairable and he now looks set to become a PSG player. Why do you think it went so wrong for him at United, and do you think he'll be able to find his form again at PSG?

RoM: I just think he’s a bit of a bottle job. He had some great games for us and, even when he was playing badly, he still managed to assist a ridiculous number of goals. But it was going to be hard work for him and he didn't fancy that, so fair play. I don’t resent him for that. He isn't a Manchester United player, and better for us to work that out now instead of waiting for another year to go by.





TCR: The other transfer saga surrounding a player leaving Old Trafford is David de Gea's proposed move to Real Madrid. With less than a couple of weeks before the window shuts, how do you see it panning out?

RoM: I think he will stay put, and I hope he does. It's all getting a bit messy at the moment though.





TCR: In your opinion what is United's strongest starting XI?

RoM: De Gea; Darmian, Smalling, Rojo, Shaw; Schneiderlin, Schweinsteiger; Mata, Herrera, Memphis; Rooney.





TCR: And finally, how do you think United will do this season (both domestically and in Europe)?

RoM: I think we'll do alright in Europe and finish third in the league. That may change if we signed a few more players.