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Jesse Lingard

Birthdate: 15 Dec 1992
Birthplace: Warrington, Cheshire
Position: Midfielder
Joined United: 01 Jul 2009
Joined From: United Academy
International: England Under-21
United Debut: 16 Aug 2014 v Swansea (H)

Warrington-born Jesse Lingard has progressed through the ranks with United after being treated patiently by the coaches, and made his senior debut in the opening game of the 2014/15 season against Swansea City.

Despite being included in the matchday squad under David Moyes, it was Louis van Gaal who would hand the sprightly prospect his bow, but sadly it was an appearance that would be cut short by injury after just 24 minutes after a bright opening in the unfamiliar role of wing-back.

Undeterred, Jesse recovered from the setback to sign on loan for Derby County in the February of 2015. The youngster made 15 appearances for the Rams, scoring twice as he helped Steve McClaren’s men to the top of the Championship by early March. A late-season slump would ultimately derail their campaign, however, as Derby missed out on a place in the play-offs by a single point.

Following the completion his loan spell at Pride Park, Lingard once again reiterated his desire to forge a way into Louis van Gaal’s XI after being one of the most impressive performers for England's Under-21s in the European Championship finals, scoring a superb winner against Sweden.

“I've always wanted to play for Manchester United and that's still my ambition,” he said. “I kept in contact with Louis van Gaal [during his loan] and I’ll have to see what he says when I get back.”

Evidently, Jesse is still highly regarded at Old Trafford, having become one of the top English players at Reserves and Under-21 level. Proving he can handle the step up from Academy football after lifting the FA Youth Cup, the wiry attacker can play on the flanks or in his preferred central role, just behind the striker.

A clever and assured finisher, he is capable of mixing the spectacular finish with clinical, well-placed shots, he causes problems for defenders with his direct running.

A hard worker who always tracks back for the team, he made an impression during the 2012 DHL tour and was on the bench for the Carling Cup ties against Newcastle and Chelsea. Later in the year, he joined Leicester on loan to obtain some first-team experience but returned to United in time to help Warren Joyce's side win more silverware.

Often asked to provide some creative flair with his dribbling skills, he was leading scorer on the 2013 tour and his performances prompted a loan move to Birmingham City. He made an incredible instant impression with four goals against Sheffield Wednesday. "It was an unbelievable start for Jesse," commented Warren Joyce. "Roy of the Rovers stuff. You could not write a script like that."

A headed goal for the Midlanders followed and he is proved his worth for Lee Clark's side before enjoying another successful loan stay with Brighton & Hove Albion, helping the Seagulls reach the Championship play-offs as a key figure in their attack. After another temporary switch, with Derby, last term, his challenge is now to break into the United side.

Birthdate: 01 Aug 1984
Birthplace: Kolbermoor, Germany
Position: Midfielder
Joined United: 13 Jul 2015
Joined From: Bayern Munich
International: Germany
United Debut: 8 Aug 2015 v Tottenham (H)

Bastian Schweinsteiger - the man who will become the first German to play for Manchester United's senior team - drove his national side to glory at last summer's World Cup in Brazil.

Dubbed "the brain" of Germany's side by head coach Joachim Löw, Schweinsteiger produced a commanding display in the showpiece final against Argentina. Winning that tournament consolidated the midfielder's place among the planet's most decorated players, with numerous team and individual honours already gleaned in a glittering career.

At domestic level, and after opting against a professional career in skiing, Schweinsteiger rose through the ranks at Bayern Munich, earning a full debut at the age of 18 after just two training sessions with Ottmar Hitzfeld's first-team squad.

Although his early appearances for Bayern would come at left-back, it wasn't long before Schweinsteiger made his mark in midfield, where he has remained a powerful figure ever since. The 2002/03 season ended with a league and cup double, as 'Basti' made 14 appearances in the Bundesliga.

A second double-winning season followed in 2005/06 and, having established himself as a regular in the Bayern side, Schweinsteiger went on to make 57 league appearances over the next two seasons.

By then, he was beginning to have a big impact at international level. After captaining Germany for the first time, the midfielder led his country to the final at Euro 2008, where Spain were the ultimate victors. departure of Jurgen Klinsmann. In the first of his two seasons in Germany, van Gaal deployed 'Basti' as a defensive midfielder as the Bavarian club won the double again and just missed out on the treble in May 2010. Although they reached the Champions League final by beating the likes of United - on away goals in the quarter-finals - en route, Bayern lost 2-0 to Jose Mourinho's Internazionale.

Schweinsteiger suffered the same fate after his goal took Bayern to the 2012 Champions League final, only for Roberto Di Matteo's Chelsea to triumph on penalties. However, it wouldn't be long before 'Basti' had his hands on Europe's biggest club trophy as Bayern beat domestic rivals Borussia Dortmund in the 2013 final at Wembley. That success came at the end of a season filled with personal accolades - including the German Player of the Year award.

In what could well be his final piece of silverware in 17 years at Bayern, Schweinsteiger lifted the Bundesliga trophy at the end of last season, to cap a dominant campaign on the domestic front.

Schweinsteiger has earned a reputation as a tough-tackling midfield general with a fierce strike and an abundance of energy. Now his move from Bayern Munich has been finalised, he is sure to be a favourite among United fans.

Birthdate: 08 Nov 1989
Birthplace: Zellwiller, France
Position: Midfielder
Joined United: 12 Jul 2015
Joined From: Southampton
International: France
United Debut: 8 Aug 2015 v Tottenham (H)

The rise of Morgan Schneiderlin has been both meteoric and impressive since he moved from his native France to join Southampton in 2008.

Schneiderlin was spotted by the Saints after moving up through the ranks at his local club, RC Strasbourg, where he had made five first-team appearances before making the switch across the Channel.

At just 18, the midfielder was already showing maturity beyond his years. Fans in England got a first glimpse of Schneiderlin during his time with France's Under-18s, after he featured in a friendly at Hartlepool's Victoria Park ground in September 2006. He had also been capped at Under-16 and Under-17 level, and would later go on to play for the Under-19s too.

Schneiderlin made his Southampton debut against Cardiff City in August 2008, but his first season at St Mary's would end in disappointment, as the club was relegated to League One. Despite speculation that a drop to the third tier would force him away from the club, Schneiderlin opted to aid the promotion effort. He scored his first goal for the club in April 2010, as the Saints beat Bristol Rovers 5-1 away, in one of his 37 appearances during the 2009/10 campaign.

Now established as a regular in the Southampton side, Schneiderlin helped the club climb out of League One at the end of 2010/11 and the Frenchman really came to the fore in the subsequent Championship campaign of 2011/12. A superb season for the midfielder resulted in a second successive promotion for the Saints, this time to the Barclays Premier League.

Schneiderlin now had the chance to test himself in the top flight, and he soon went from strength to strength. Although he had previously scored for Southampton away from home, his first goal at St Mary's came in August 2012 - against United. The Reds had the last laugh in a memorable encounter, with Robin van Persie's hat-trick securing a hard-earned 3-2 win. Schneiderlin went on to miss just two league games as Southampton finished in 14th place, and was widely praised after topping the statistics charts for interceptions and tackles during the 2012/13 campaign. Little wonder he was named Player of the Year by Southampton's fans and by his teammates.

In the following season, 2013/14, Schneiderlin made 36 appearances as his club finished ninth and then earned his first senior cap for France when head coach Didier Deschamps selected him for a goalless draw against Jamaica in June. In the ensuing World Cup in Brazil, he made one appearance - in another 0-0 draw, this time against Ecuador, when future United teammate Antonio Valencia was sent off.

Schneiderlin continued his fine form on his return to club action in 2014/15 and made a total of 25 appearances to help Southampton qualify for the Europa League in seventh place. The Frenchman will now hope to play in the Champions League instead, with United, and add yet another layer of experience to his incredible story after becoming Louis van Gaal's fourth signing of summer 2015.

Birthdate: 22 Nov 1987
Birthplace: Etterbeek, Belgium
Position: Midfielder
Joined United: 02 Sep 2013
Joined From: Everton
International: Belgium
United Debut: 14 Sep 2013 v Crystal Palace (H)

Marouane Fellaini completed a move to Manchester United with moments to spare on Monday 2 September 2013, transfer deadline day, and in doing so became the first major signing of David Moyes' time as United manager.

It was the second time the towering Belgium international had been bought by the then-Reds boss, who previously acquired his services for Everton in 2008. That deal - with the Toffees paying a club-record fee to Standard Liege - was also pushed through on transfer deadline day.

Fellaini's first season at United was a difficult one for the team, and the midfielder himself took time to adapt, though a succession of injuries did not help his progress. He finished the campaign with 21 appearances, before linking up with Belgium for the World Cup finals in Brazil, where he scored against Algeria and played in all five games as his country reached the quarter-finals.

Evidently buoyed by his World Cup success, United fans saw a rejuvenated man during the following campaign as the Louis van Gaal era began. He became a dominant physical presence and also chipped in with his fair share of goals, including important strikes against Spurs and Manchester City.

This was much more like the player who had thrived during his spell at Goodison; a player who had helped the Toffees finish fifth during his first season in the Barclays Premier League. His efforts also yielded the club's Young Player of the Year award, voted for by Everton supporters.

In his second season in England, Marouane caught the eye once again, prompting his manager to declare him the “best midfielder” in the top flight. Unfortunately, an ankle problem sustained during the Merseyside derby in January ruled him out for the rest of that campaign.

Fellaini's involvement in 2010/11 was also limited by injury but he produced his best form in the following season. Playing in a more advanced role, the Belgian became one of Everton’s primary attacking weapons, using his power and physical presence to great effect on a regular basis.

In 2012/13, he picked up where he left off - powering his way through United's defence to score the only goal in Everton's shock 1-0 win in the opening league match. Notably, the goals kept coming and by the end of the season, he was the Toffees' top scorer with 12 strikes to his name.

That was how his Everton career ended, on a high, for within two months of Moyes starting work with the Reds, the pair were reunited at Old Trafford. It was van Gaal who reaped extra benefit from the transfer by utilising the Belgian to good effect and showing he could be a key asset in the biggest games of the season. A winner at Crystal Palace virtually clinched a top-four spot and, as he celebrated with the away fans, it illustrated the affection he has earned from the Reds' support.

Birthdate: 14 Aug 1989
Birthplace: Bilbao, Spain
Position: Midfielder
Joined United: 26 Jun 2014
Joined From: Athletic Bilbao
United Debut: 16 Aug 2014 v Swansea (H)

Ander Herrera joined Manchester United in June 2014 to become the first new arrival of the Louis van Gaal era. Although it was a wrench to leave Athletic Club, the Bilbao-born midfielder described the move as a "dream come true".

He endured a stop-start to life in Manchester but, once Ander found his rhythm in the New Year, he never looked back. A dynamic, energetic midfielder, Herrera possesses lightning-quick speed of thought that enables him to provide both intelligent movement and that all-important killer pass. He's also an valuable asset in defence, comfortable in the tackle, but also smarter enough to make crucial interceptions.

It is going forward, however, where Ander really impressed in his first season. Chipping in with eight goals, including a howitzer in the FA Cup against Yeovil, our no. 21 was an ever-present in the last three months of the campaign, playing a crucial role in helping the Reds to secure fourth place and a Champions League berth for 2015/16. He also volleyed the last goal of the campaign in the 1-1 draw with Arsenal and developed into a key cog in van Gaal's machine.

His schooling in Spanish football came at Real Zaragoza, where he made 41 first-team appearances and helped them win promotion to La Liga in 2009. Two years later, Herrera moved to Athletic Club in the city of his birth for a reported fee of £6.6million.

As one third of an effective midfield triumvirate that also included Oscar de Marcos and Ander Iturraspe, Herrera became a key component in a team that quickly ascended the ranks of Spanish and European football. In fact, during his first season in Bilbao (2011/12) under the tutelage of maverick manager Marcelo Bielsa, the club were runners-up in the Europa League and Copa del Rey.

Athletic Club knocked out United en route to the Europa League final, home and away in March 2012. Herrera played a starring role at Old Trafford for Bielsa's powerfully energetic side, clocking up 86 minutes of action and one assist for de Marcos. After witnessing his team's second-leg defeat at San Mames, Sir Alex Ferguson said admiringly: “Athletic Club's work rate is higher than any I have seen in Europe. But it is not just about their work rate, they are very good footballers too. They will go far.”

Herrera's own progress was hampered in the following 2013/13 campaign however, with a troublesome hernia injury limiting his appearances while a number of his team-mates secured big moves away from Bilbao. Ander's eventual return to action helped steer Athletic away from the relegation zone. Interest from overseas clubs including United was reported in the summer of 2013 but an exit did not materialise and so he continued to impress in Spain, scoring five goals in 33 games to help Athletic Club finish fourth in 2013/14.

Herrera has so far been capped by every age group with the Spanish national team except the senior side and he notably played alongside David De Gea and Juan Mata for the Under-21s. He also made three appearances for Spain's Olympic team during the 2012 Games in England. Surely though, if Herrera continues to impress in Manchester, his senior bow will not be long in coming.

Birthdate: 09 Mar 1990
Birthplace: Amsterdam, Netherlands
Position: Midfielder
Joined United: 01 Sep 2014
Joined From: Ajax
International: Netherlands
United Debut: 14 Sept 2014 v QPR (H)

Daley Blind arrived at Old Trafford in 2014 following an ascent to the top of Dutch football that was a story of patience and persistence both on and off the field.

From being awarded Ajax’s prestigious Talent of the Future award in 2008 to a standout showing at the 2014 World Cup, the son of Netherlands legend Danny Blind has made a name for himself domestically and on the global stage.

Unsurprisingly, his stock would continue to rise following an eye-catching first season at United, where he demonstrated his versatility and tactical nous, becoming a valuable member of the first team in the process. He made 29 appearances for van Gaal's side and, despite his customary low-lying position, enjoyed the odd foray forward and weighed in with crucial late equalisers in away games against West Brom and West Ham.

The Dutchman's footballing tutelage came from Ajax’s hugely respected youth academy, where he graduated with a reputation as one of his country's brightest talents, signing his first professional terms with his hometown club at the age of 17.

A winning debut against FC Volendam soon followed in 2008 but the versatile youngster, determined to continue his development, spent a half-season loan spell at Eredivisie side Groningen to gain valuable experience outside the salubrious surroundings of Ajax.

It was to be a crucial step in Blind’s upward trajectory, with the youngster returning to Amsterdam and establishing himself as an important member of the squad as left-back under manager Frank de Boer, who led the Dutch giants to four league titles in a row.

It was not until the 2012/13 season, however, in which Blind became acknowledged as truly pivotal to De Boer’s side as he was voted the team's Player of the Year in a title-winning campaign. International recognition inevitably came in tandem, with Louis van Gaal rewarding the midfielder's superb showings with his debut for the Netherlands in a friendly against Italy in February 2013.

Blind has not looked back since, with one more league title, a Dutch Footballer of the Year award last season and 19 international caps accrued, none more memorable than his and Netherlands’ opening game in Salvador this summer. The 5-1 hammering of reigning world champions Spain produced an unforgettable piece of play when the Ajax man set up a stunning diving header from Robin van Persie.

It was fitting that Blind became, in many ways, a poster boy for van Gaal’s Oranje side in Brazil. A young, versatile talent totally committed to the cause, he was the archetype total footballer for a team who surpassed expectations in securing third place. Leaning on the experience and confidence gained from the tournament, he looked comfortable at left-back and in a midfield role and looks to be money well spent.

Birthdate: 28 Jul 1981
Birthplace: Wallsend, North Shields
Position: Midfielder
Joined United: 31 Jul 2006
Joined From: Tottenham Hotspur
United Debut: 23 Aug 2006 v Charlton (A)

Michael Carrick, Louis van Gaal's current vice-captain, has established himself as one of the most effective midfielders in the Barclays Premier League since his arrival from Tottenham Hotspur in 2006.

Understated, and often underrated, Carrick has become a lynchpin of the United engine room, dictating play with his considered, refined style.

The 2014-15 campaign was another that served to underline Carrick's importance to the United midfield. Having been out of action until 8 November following an ankle injury, the Englishman produced an excellent display at the heart of a three-man defence in the 3-0 win over Liverpool, before reminding fans of his class upon his return to midfield. United won 12 and lost just one of the 16 games he started - the 1-0 reverse to Southampton.

Further injury setbacks saw Carrick sidelined again, though his return to fitness inspired the Reds’ best run of the season, as van Gaal's men saw off the midfielder's former club Spurs in March, before wins over Liverpool and Manchester City. Though a heavy knock in the derby-day win would end Carrick's season prematurely, his significance to the side was further highlighted, as United went on to suffer three straight defeats.

It was only from 2012/13 when he truly gained wider acclaim for his performances, earning a spot in the PFA Premier League Team of the Season and being voted Players' Player of the Year by his United team-mates.

His impact on the Reds' squad was evident long before the 20th title-winning campaign, though. During his debut campaign of 2006/07, he carved out a formidable partnership with Paul Scholes and began to mature into one of English football's most sophisticated and classy passing midfielders, quickly bagging the maiden honour of his professional career with the Premier League title.

A calming influence and the master of the interception, he also starred as the Reds conquered England and Europe in 2007/08, beating Chelsea to both the Premier League and Champions League before penning a new, four-year contract extension.

After missing nine games early in the 2008/09 season with an ankle injury, the Geordie returned to establish himself as the focal point of United's midfield, finishing with 43 appearances in all competitions and scoring a crucial May winner at Wigan during the title run-in.

His fourth campaign with United proved more difficult, not least when an injury crisis at the club forced him to take up an emergency role in the back four. However, he responded in style, first at West Ham where the Reds won 4-0 and then away to Wolfsburg where he proved his versatility.

The midfielder agreed to extend his stay at Old Trafford again at the beginning of March 2011, when he signed a new three-year deal to keep him at the club until the end of the 2013/14 campaign.

Though he failed to score in 2010/11, the first barren season of his United career, he was particularly effective after Christmas in a more defensive midfield role, as he helped the Reds reclaim the title. This form further improved in 2011/12 as Carrick once again asserted his authority in the centre of the park, and though his shielding work proved integral to United's approach, a late-season collapse meant Manchester City nabbed the title in the dying seconds of the campaign.

Carrick's calmness under pressure and pin-point passing has become integral to the present iteration of Manchester United. Indeed, his 2012/13 campaign was probably his finest in a red shirt as, alongside Robin van Persie, United's no.16 was the crux of the club's 20th league triumph. An assured and experienced presence, Carrick's contribution only sporadically extended to goalscoring with occasionally spectacular results – but in his primary role of screening the defence, intercepting passes and probing against well-drilled opposing ranks, Carrick once again proved himself as one of the modern game's leading exponents.

Come the end of yet another title-winning campaign, the midfielder was acknowledged by his peers when he scooped the Players' Player of the Year award at a lavish post-season ceremony. It was just reward for the Newcastle-born player, who had made a habit throughout his Reds career of being an understated, yet crucial presence. Finally, the appreciation for his efforts was being placed on record by both his team-mates and the fans.

The following campaign of 2013/14 was a tough one for both the player and club. With the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson after 26 years in the Old Trafford hot-seat, David Moyes was the man now in charge of the nation's most successful side and 'change' was the buzz-word in and around the Aon Training Complex.

As one of the club's most consistent performers over previous seasons, it was unsurprising to see Carrick as a regular in Moyes' starting XI. However, he struggled to recapture the form of the previous season as the Reds started the campaign in sluggish fashion. An Achilles injury, picked up in November, didn't help Carrick's cause and, though he was back in the starting line-up by the festive period, he was far from his best. Thankfully, his form improved as the season went on but Michael couldn't prevent a trophy-less end to the season. Carrick's experience and know-how has already proved vital in the new era under van Gaal and, in March 2015, the midfielder extended his current deal with the club for a further year until at least June 2016.

Birthdate: 28 Apr 1988
Birthplace: Burgos, Spain
Position: Attacking midfielder
Joined United: 25 Jan 2014
Joined From: Chelsea
International: Spain
United Debut: 28 Jan 2014 v Cardiff City (H)

Juan Mata exudes class, intelligence and panache - and not just with a ball at his feet.

The Reds’ no. 8 asserted himself as one of Louis van Gaal’s key performers during the 2014/15 season, notching 10 goals from midfield, including a stunning overhead kick against Liverpool at Anfield. His display at Merseyside was nothing short of mesmeric and it was performances like these that elevated Juan to the status of a fans' favourite.

It wasn’t all plain sailing however, as the Spaniard did not start a league game between January and March, but his late-season form was one of the main reasons behind the club’s late season charge to fourth spot in the Barclays Premier League.

Mata is an influential performer in any of the three main attacking positions across the pitch behind the lead striker – on either flank or in the no.10 role. A world-class creator and consistent goal-getter, he netted 12 times in all competitions in his debut season with Chelsea in 2011/12, before scoring 11 in the league alone in the following campaign.

However, his game is about more than just attacking from deep to score goals. The Spain international has a sweet left foot, wonderful poise and balance, possesses great vision for a killer pass or wicked cross and is a danger from set-pieces anywhere on the pitch. His creativity sets him apart; few players can match his minutes-per-assist ratio in the division.

At Stamford Bridge, he produced a string of eye-catching displays – notably against United, enjoying a series of duels with fellow countryman, good friend and Reds goalkeeper David De Gea – and he was voted Chelsea's Player of the Year in both full campaigns in West London. These individual awards joined FA Cup, Champions League and Europa League winners' medals in his collection.

At international level, Mata's list of honours is even more impressive. He was among Spain's World Cup and European Championship winners, making one substitute appearance in South Africa 2010 before proving even more influential at Euro 2012 by scoring in the final against Italy. He also captained Spain to European Under-21 Championship glory in 2011 and represented his country at the London 2012 Olympics. Following his move to Manchester from Chelsea in January 2014 - when the Spaniard travelled to the Aon Training Complex by helicopter - his start to life at Old Trafford was equally inspiring.

Juan scored six times and compiled four assists in 15 appearances during his first half-season at the Theatre of Dreams. In addition, the Spaniard was named United's Player of the Month twice, and his free-kick at Newcastle made it onto the shortlist for the club's Goal of the Season Award. Mata was later on target for his country at the 2014 World Cup, finding the net in a 3-0 triumph over Australia, to set himself up nicely for his first full season at United.