Manchester United now boast one of the best midfields in the world... but where will Bastian Schweinsteiger and Morgan Schneiderlin fit into Louis van Gaal's side?

• Manchester United have 12 midfield players ahead of the new season
• Bastian Schweinsteiger joined from Bayern Munich in a £15million deal
• Morgan Schniderlin and Memphis Depay also signed this summer 
• Louis van Gaal faces a selection headache with such riches in midfield 

By Sam Cunningham for MailOnline

Published: 07:02 EST, 14 July 2015 | Updated: 05:33 EST, 15 July 2015

Louis van Gaal has assembled one of the richest midfields in football but as we count down to the season opener it has left him with the biggest conundrum of all. Just how does he fit them into his Manchester United side?

Whether it is 4-5-1, 4-2-3-1, 4-1-2-1-2, or 4-3-3, the Dutchman has 12 midfield players who will all expect a place in the starting XI.

How does 12 go in to five, or four, or three, or even 11? Van Gaal may well have to draft in the help of Carol Vorderman and Rachel Riley for this one.

In the meantime, Sportsmail takes a look at who he now has and where they can fit in…

Manchester United new boys Bastian Schweinsteiger (left) and Morgan Schneiderlin trained on Monday

Memphis Depay (centre), Daley Blind (left) and Schweinsteiger could line up together in midfield next season

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal now faces a serious selection headache ahead of the new season

Star studded Manchester United check-in for USA tour

Bastian Schweinsteiger

Having worked with Van Gaal at Bayern Munich, the World Cup winner will surely become a focal point in the centre of midfield. He will provide the attacking force through the middle with his power and passing range and rely on others behind to do the defending.

Schweinsteiger joined for £15million from Bayern Munich and will add authority to the United midfield

Bundesliga tribute to United new boy Bastian Schweinsteiger

Morgan Schneiderlin

The Frenchman will be remembered at Southampton for his tackling and ability to break up play from the middle, but he is comfortable on the ball and can pass well. Schneiderlin can play either directly in front of the back four or slightly further forward, still in a defensive midfield capacity. He would complement Schweinsteiger, or an equally attacking midfielder, well.

 Schneiderlin, who joined for £25million from Southampton, can tackle, pass well and is comfortable on the ball

Michael Carrick

Pressure is on the 33-year-old after the £39m arrivals of Schweinsteiger and Schneiderlin. His performances for United last season earned him a return to the England fold and a one-year contract extension, but despite his sublime passing range his chances in the centre of United’s midfield now appear limited. Likely to be a back-up player.

Daley Blind

Another who could struggle, given the latest Van Gall signings. Blind could find himself shunted around this season more as a utility player, given his ability to operate as full back and in central midfield. Even then, if Luke Shaw starts producing the form which earned him a record move it would be difficult for Blind to usurp him at left back and United now have a packed centre.

Michael Carrick (left) and Daley Blind will be battling it out for a place in midfield next season

Ashley Young

The winger played some of his best football under Van Gaal last season when he had previously looked on his way out of the club. The signing of Memphis Depay will make it harder for Young to feature in the starting line-up, but he could operate on either flank of the attacking midfield three behind a striker, as a winger in three-pronged front line or in a flat five across the midfield.

Ashley Young impressed last season but may find his place in jeopardy following Memphis Depay's arrival

Juan Mata

The Spaniard prefers to play in an attacking central midfield role as opposed to on the wing but he will be vying for his favoured spot with Schweinsteiger now. The pair could operate together, however, with them side by side, the German having previously started out as a winger anyway.

Juan Mata, pictured (left) relaxing with compatriot David de Gea, is one of United's most skilful players

Memphis Depay

If the hype is anything to go by, the 21-year-old will be the next Cristiano Ronaldo, a player he absolutely does not want to be compared with. Rattled in 22 goals to finish top scorer of the Dutch Eredivisie last season and if continues in that vein — and the Premier League will be a huge step up — his place in the side will not be in question. 

Depay scored 22 goals for PSV last season and will be desperate to impress at Old Trafford this season

Depay's stunning skills that forced Van Gaal to pay £25M

Ander Herrera

Van Gaal shelled out £29m for the central midfielder last summer but he is another who will be fighting for his future since Schweinsteiger and Schneiderlin have joined the club. His price tag may well protect him this season, as Van Gaal will not want to give up easily on such an expensive acquisition.

Spanish midfielder Ander Herrera cost United £29m last summer but he is not guaranteed a starting place

Marouane Fellaini

Fellaini was expected to leave when Van Gaal was appointed — the 63-year-old initially not convinced by David Moyes’ purchase — but he battled his way into the plans last season. Now he looks back to square one. Useful as a battering ram up top when Van Gaal wants to play long in search of a goal.

Marouane Fellaini battled his way into Louis van Gaal's plans last season but could be benched again next term

Angel di Maria

Paris Saint-Germain are expected to bid for the out-of-sorts attacking midfielder and it is perhaps best for all parties if he bows out. If United can recoup a chunk of the near-£60m transfer fee they paid a year ago then they can save face and Van Gaal will not have to try to shoehorn in a player who, along with his family, are clearly unsettled.

Angel di Maria joined from Real Madrid for nearly £60million but looks set to move on after one season

Antonio Valencia

Another whose versatility, down the right flank, could help him get some games. But the signing of Matteo Darmian from Torino for £14.4m will limit his opportunity at right back and United are not short of players who can operate at right wing. Valencia will be a useful back-up player next season, but that’s all.

Antonio Valencia will provide back-up next season but is unlikely to start many games for the Red Devils

Adnan Januzaj

The 20-year-old was a revelation under Moyes, then became a bit-part player under the current manager. Again, with competition for places on the flanks fierce, the winger may be best served looking for a loan or even permanent move away. It could be a frustrating season for him if he stays.

Young wideman Adnan Januzaj (left) barely featured for Manchester United under Van Gaal last season

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