Manchester United to turn to Bournemouth star as Louis van Gaal seeks unlikely saviour

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Louis van Gaal is understood to have identified Matt Ritchie as a potential January addition for Manchester United as they look to turn their season around.

The versatile 26-year-old—who can play across the midfield—has adapted quickly to life in the Premier League following Bournemouth’s promotion from the Championship during the summer.

The Scot has scored twice and contributed three assists in his 18 top flight outings to date, and according to the Mirror, there is considerable interest in his services ahead of the January transfer window.

The tabloid name four clubs who are understood to be keen on the Cherries stalwart, with West Ham United, West Bromwich Albion and Everton all joined by Manchester United, who are said to be “keeping tabs on the player” according to the report.

However, the Red Devils face a struggle if they are to sign the player, with Ritchie recently putting pen to paper on a new three-and-a-half-year deal, and has been identified by coach Eddie Howe as a vital performer if the south-coast club are to avoid the drop.

United, who were defeated by Stoke City on Boxing Day, would seemingly have the resources to test Bournemouth’s resolve, with van Gaal getting increasingly desperate as he looks to end the Red Devils’ miserable winless streak, which now stretches to eight games.

It remains to be seen just how long van Gaal has left at the helm of United, with the manager suggesting after the loss to the Potters [as per ESPN] that he might decide to quit the club.

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