Manchester United's best XI of the season so far: No place for Angel Di Maria or Juan Mata

ANALYSIS: Based on statistics across the season, this is the side Louis van Gaal should play for the remaining few games to give them the best chance of a Champions League return

Predicting a Manchester United starting XI this season has been near impossible - even manager Louis van Gaal has often appeared perplexed over who he should play.

However, with 30 Premier League games now under their belts this season, analysis by The Independent indicates who should be starting the final eight games of the campaign if Manchester United are to stand the best chance of qualifying for the Champions League.

Our friends at Whoscored.com produce a rating for every player, based on every aspect of their performances in the Premier League this season. The figure is considered among the most accurate, respected and well-known performance indicators in the world of football. Exact details on how it is calculated can be found here.

Using the tool, Manchester United's best starting XI can be determined, offering Van Gaal guidance on who should be in his side as they look to clinch a finish in the top four.

The results produce some intriguing findings, with the most expensive signing in British transfer history, Angel Di Maria, failing to warrant a place. Another big-money summer signing, Luke Shaw, also fails to make it in, whilst perhaps less surprisingly, troubled striker Radamel Falcao is also excluded from the 4-4-2 formation.

Check out Manchester United's best XI of the season so far below...

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