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As Manchester United’s Champions League hopes hang in the balance, M.E.N Sport looks at five things that will help Louis van Gaal secure his minimum target of a top four finish.

Play Rooney up front

Van Gaal has restored the England captain to his favoured position in recent weeks, but the suspicion is that he will be dropped back into midfield - especially for the big games.

United’s manager claims he has to sacrifice Rooney for the sake of balance. But for the sake of goals, the 29-year-old must be given the freedom to attack.

Rooney’s best seasons have come when played as an out and out striker. Given the struggles of Robin van Persie and Radamel Falcao, it’s baffling that Rooney has been played in midfield so often.

Get over your travel sickness

United have won three games away from home all season in the Premier League. If not for their home form, their Champions League hopes would be as good as dead already.

The games at Liverpool and Chelsea look like they could be key, while trips to Newcastle and Everton won’t be ‘gimmes’ - particulary given United’s form on the road.

Make the most of Di Maria

The Argentine looked every bit the most expensive player in English football when he first arrived at Old Trafford.

His stunning goal against Leicester was a highlight. But that seems like a long time ago now. Since then Van Gaal has played the Argentine in a host of roles - out wide, up front and in midfield - without getting the best out of him.

So far he’s looked most effective in wide positions, so perhaps it’s time to give him an extended run on the wings.

Decide on your best formation

Van Gaal’s tinkering has been a theme of his first season at United.

Three at the back, 4-4-2 or a diamond, the Dutchman has flip-flopped throughout the campaign.

He admits he still doesn’t know his best system. Well it’s high time he did.

Help Falcao find his scoring boots

Somewhere along the line the Colombian seems to have forgotten that he’s supposed to be one of the deadliest finishers in world football.

His loan move to United has been nothing short of miserable. The goal he scored with his first touch on his first day of training at Carrington is in danger of being the highlight of his season.

You don’t become a bad player over night and there is the sense that Falcao just needs a break to get back to his devastating best. And how United could do with it.