Louis van Gaal faces $260m selection headache, Falcao to debut against Queens Park Rangers

MANCHESTER United manager Louis van Gaal faces the same dilemma as every fantasy football player ever, as he attempts to fit in all the pieces of his $260m jigsaw against Queens Park Rangers when the Barclays Premier League returns this weekend. The Dutchman can call on all six of his summer signings as he looks to turn around the club’s stuttering start to the season. United is winless under van Gaal and has spent huge sums of money to ensure a return to the lucrative Champions League next year. Deadline Day arrivals Radamel Falcao and Daley Blind are in line for debuts against Harry Redknapp’s side this weekend, as is defender Marcos Rojo after his work permit was finally granted. Record signing Angel Di Maria will make his home debut, while fellow off-season signings Luke Shaw and Ander Herrera have returned to fitness. Add to the mix skipper Wayne Rooney and Dutch striker Robin van Persie, as well as January big-money arrival Juan Mata, and van Gaal has a very expensive selection headache in the lead-up to the clash. Who plays where will depend heavily on whether van Gaal persists with his (so far) failed 3-5-2 formation or reverts to a traditional back four. Attempting to get into the head of a coach who substituted goalkeepers for a penalty shootout against Costa Rica at this year’s World Cup is no easy task, but some decisions appear simpler than others. If they’re both fit – and news from United is that they are – Falcao and van Persie should start together up front at Old Trafford. That would in all likelihood drop Rooney to the No.10 role and Mata to the bench. Blind’s former Ajax mentor Frank de Boer said this week the 24-year-old’s preferred position is central midfield, and he’s likely to start there against QPR, sitting behind Di Maria and Rooney, unless van Gaal makes the bold decision to use the Argentina international as a wingback. Rojo will slot in at centre-back, and provides a boost for United with Phil Jones out with a hamstring injury sustained on international duty with England. Brazilian right-back Rafael has revealed he is back in training and could also feature.