We take a look at five potential improvements on current Manchester United right back Rafael.
Despite winning his first friendly game in charge of Manchester United 7-0 against MLS side LA Galaxy, new Old Trafford boss Louis van Gaal is likely to be on the lookout for more new signings to build on the likes of Ander Herrera and Luke Shaw.
One position where the Dutchman could really strengthen the United team is at right back – as indicated by Ecuadorian winger Antonio Valencia being deployed on the right hand side of van Gaal’s 5-3-2 system during the match against Los Angeles.
With young Brazilian Rafael also having failed to truly live up to his early potential and Chris Smalling more comfortable in the centre, a new right back should be at the top of van Gaal’s agenda.
With this in mind, we’ve taken a look at five potential players who United could bring to Old Trafford if they are looking to improve upon Rafael.
Mauricio Isla (Juventus)
Chile international Mauricio Isla looks set to leave Serie A champions Juventus this summer, with the likes of Newcastle United, Southampton and Atletico Madrid linked, but United should move in on the chase.
Isla has experience of playing as a right wing-back for both Chile and Juventus, potentially further tempting van Gaal into bringing his Netherlands system to Manchester.
Branislav Ivanovic (Chelsea)
It may not go down well with his club, but United could do far worse than attempt to lure Serbian right back Branislav Ivanovic to Old Trafford from Premier League rivals Chelsea.
Ivanovic may well find first team opportunities hard to come by at Stamford Bridge this season, with the arrival of Filipe Luis likely putting Cesar Azplicueta between him and the first team.
Calum Chambers (Southampton)
Having already signed one teenage full back from Southampton this summer, in the shape of Luke Shaw, United could consider bringing in another one – right back Calum Chambers.
Chambers is highly rated by the coaching staff at St. Mary’s and would fit in with van Gaal’s ethos of bringing in young players who can flourish over the long term with United.
Dani Alves (Barcelona)
There have been murmurings about Brazilian right back Dani Alves’ future at Barcelona this summer, which could open the door to a club like United to make a move for the former Sevilla man.
Despite being dropped for Maicon during his country’s fruitless World Cup campaign, Alves is one of the world’s finest attacking full backs and would be a superb capture for almost any club, including United.
Juan Cuadrado (Fiorentina)
United are already reported to have made a bid for Colombian World Cup star Juan Cuadrado this summer – and playing the Fiorentina man at right back would be a fascinating prospect for van Gaal.
Despite playing in an attacking midfield role for his country in Brazil, Cuadrado has played at right back in the past and may be able to offer a fascinating attacking option in that position within the framework of van Gaal’s formation.