10 players who have been targeted by incoming Old Trafford boss Louis van Gaal as he sets about repairing the club’s reputation following a disastrous 2013/14 campaign.
Read more Man United FC transfer news.
24 year old has impressed at the World Cup and is clearly a player Dutch national team coach Louis van Gaal knows well and it’s fair to say that the right-back has outgrown Feyenoord. The talented wide-man could well be a preferable option to current options Rafael, Chris Smalling and Phil Jones.
Chilean has also had a great World Cup and is a player who has been strongly linked with a Nou Camp exit and if van Gaal is keen on the 25 year old then it’s more likely with a view to using the Barcelona man in a wide role in preference to the likes of Nani, Ashley Young and Luis Antonio Valencia with Sanchez a country mile ahead of that trio in terms of all round quality.
This no-nonsense Dutch international is believed to be closing in on a move to Old Trafford and though the 22 year old has great potential one does wonder just how easily he would fit into the role of replacing Nemanja Vidic or Rio Ferdinand at the heart of the Man United defence.
Though van Gaal has brought in Ander Herrera from Athletic Bilbao the Man United manager could do with bringing in further midfield options, preferably those who can make a real impact in the final third and the Juventus man has done just that for three seasons in Italy, where his goals and assists have been key to the Turin side’s three successive Serie A title triumphs.
6. Angel Di Maria (Real Madrid)
One of the best wingers in world football but a player who could see his chances grow limited at the Bernabeu given that Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale hold the key spots in Carlo Ancelotti’s attack. Argentine may be considering his options and the former Benfica man could be tempted by a Premier League move.
Another supremely talented central midfield talent and a box to box performer who offers a stern presence in the middle of the park but also possesses the ability to unlock defences with a clever pass or a rasping 30 yard strike and seemingly likely for an Allianz Arena exit as he has just a year to run on his current contract.
Man United do not possess an out and out defensive midfielder and this German could offer van Gaal some bite to help support his back-line. 27 year old could find himself struggling for first team action at the Bernabeu in 2014/15 having missed much of last term with injury and is another who may see a move to Old Trafford as a fresh start worth considering.
Another tough tackler and perhaps a cheaper option to Khedira and a player van Gaal knows well from his time managing the Dutch national team. Yes the player has played for local rivals Man City in the past but the enforcer doesn’t strike us as the type of character to be too concerned about a contentious move to Old Trafford.
2. Arjen Robben (Bayern Munich)
We’ve already spoken about Man United’s lack of many truly quality wingers well many sources believe van Gaal may look to bring in one of the best in the business. Another former Premier League player and an attacker van Gaal rates highly and a player who he signed before whilst at Bayern Munich.
A move for the Belgian could be the most sensible move Louis van Gaal makes this summer. Though the 28 year old is seemingly surplus to requirements at Arsenal that is no reflection on his obvious quality and the former Ajax man will not cost a great deal and can be used very effectively to help fill the void left by the departure of Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic and can even support new signing Luke Shaw as a left-back option if needed.
SEE ALSO: The Fastest Players on Fifa 14