How the Red Devils could lineup next term.
It’s been a busy 12 hours of transfer business for Manchester United who have secured the signings of Ander Herrera and Luke Shaw from Athletic Bilbao and Southampton respectively.
The Red Devils have spent a combined £55.8m on the duo and they have started what is expected to be a busy summer of spending for new manager Louis van Gaal.
Here is how the United XI could look next season, including Herrera and Shaw.
GK – David de Gea
As previously mentioned the 2013/14 campaign was not a happy one for the 13-time Premier League champions, but goalkeeper de Gea was one of the better performers and even looks to be the long-term future for Spain as well.
RB – Rafael
With both Phil Jones and Chris Smalling having proven themselves not to be good enough at right-back, we expect van Gaal to give this Brazilian a chance.
CB – Miranda
After the departure of both Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic, central defence is now the priority for recruitment and this Atletico Madrid ace has been strongly linked with a £24m switch.
Source: Daily Express.
CB – Bruno Martins Indi
With van Gaal taking over and the 62-year-old currently being in charge of the Netherlands national team, it’s only natural that the Dutchman has targeted players from his current squad and this Feyenoord ace could be a great option with the ability to also play at left-back.
Source: Mirror.
LB – Luke Shaw
The second signing of the summer for the English giants was this 18-year-old, who completed the £27m switch from St Mary’s and will look to emulate previous Saints product Gareth Bale.
CM – Sami Khedira
Central midfield was a real problem area for the Red Devils last term and although one purchase has been made in the position, more support is needed and this Real Madrid star could well be on the move.
Source: Mirror.
CM – Ander Herrera
The other new signing and a 24-year-old midfielder that cost United £28.8m – the Spaniard’s release clause with Athletic Club – and his box-to-box approach should be a real bonus for van Gaal.
RM – Yevhen Konoplyanka
One of the main problems for the club last year was their lack of creativity and therefore recruitment in attacking midfield wouldn’t be unwanted either, with this Ukraine international having nearly joined Liverpool in January and is keen on a move to England.
Source: Daily Express.
CAM – Juan Mata
Still the club’s record signing having cost £37.1m from Chelsea in January and showed towards the end of last term that the 26-year-old could well show his world-class capabilities once again in the No.10 role.
LM – Wayne Rooney
Van Gaal will bring discipline to a squad that often looked a little lost over the past 12 months and Rooney will either have to adhere to the new regime or face being benched or even sold.
ST – Robin van Persie
Finally leading the line will be a striker that the new boss knows very well having managed him for the national team for the past two years and is also getting the very best out of the former Arsenal man.
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