blunted a frustrated United attack as they lost again.

Now Van Gaal has Schweinsteiger, Morgan Schneiderlin and Carrick, it is expected two of the trio will start the majority of United's games. Schneiderlin netted United's only goal at CenturyLink Field, though the silky Schweinsteiger is the more attack-minded of the duo.

From the thousands of selections on what Van Gaal's best side should be, Schweinsteiger and Schneiderlin naturally start, with Mata the chosen playmaker. It was startling to notice Angel di Maria was chosen ahead of Herrera.

Supporters' reactions to the Schweinsteiger and Schneiderlin buys have created a feel-good atmosphere and fuelled optimism at United. The club's midfield overhaul might have ended with the pair and began with Marouane Fellaini, yet it was Herrera who reminded Steven Gerrard someone in aUnited shirt was prepared to get stuck in at Anfield and he also overran Yaya Toure.

Impressed, Van Gaal highlighted the telepathy between Herrera, Mata and Antonio Valencia in the Anfield press room back in March.

"If you are playing good we have to play like a team and now Mata is playing as a false right winger in the combination with Herrera and Valencia," he said. "It gives him more opportunities."

Mata's belated return to the first-team, a month on from Herrera's, enhanced his compatriot and the pair scored seven between them in United's last 10 games.

Retaining Herrera is essential and feasible even with Schweinsteiger and Schneiderlin. As a midfield trio, they could be formidable and Herrera would be backed by two defensive-minded teammates. He could even develop into a