Raphael Varane (Real Madrid)
Pie in the sky it may well be, but departing United centre back Rio Ferdinand recently commented that the man he would like to see fill his boots at Old Trafford is young Real Madrid centre back Raphael Varane.
It is unlikely that Carlo Ancelotti would be willing to sell the precocious young centre back, however, and even more unlikely that no more attractive propositions than United would come in for his services.
If possible, however, he would be a stunning signing, possessing all of the necessary characteristics of a potentially World Class defender.
Jonny Evans (Manchester United)
One potential solution to the problem may be right underneath Louis van Gaal’s nose, with Northern Ireland international Jonny Evans hoping to return to full fitness ahead of the new season after his 2013/14 campaign was plagued by injury.
Before that Evans had shown signs of maturing into a top class centre back and it may be sensible for van Gaal to give him a chance to form a partnership with his new man, particularly considering the Dutchman’s record of getting the best out of talented young players whilst continuing to improve them.