Which players would help re-establish Manchester United as title contenders…
SEE ALSO: The Best Manchester United players of all time
We reported earlier this week, that Manchester United’s new manager Louis van Gaal looks set to axe as many as five key first-team players from his squad, after allowing them all a run in the team during their pre-season tour of the US.
CaughtOffside next takes a look at the five players that United could use to replace those exiled – signings that would in turn help lead the club back to Champions League football, after last season’s disappointing performance under the stewardship of David Moyes.
5) Mats Hummels (replacing Anderson)
It goes without saying that Hummels is by no means a direct replacement for Anderson, the two are clearly completely different players. However, United are desperate for defensive reinforcements this summer – and Hummels is the dream candidate to take a vacant spot in Louis van Gaal’s squad. With Rio Ferdinand having joined QPR, and with Nemanja Vidic moving to Inter Milan, United have lost two world class centre backs, and would love to convince Borussia Dortmund’s World Cup winning defender to join their ranks. Dortmund are desperate to hold on to one of their prize assets, however he could be available at the right price.
4) Juan Cuadrado (replacing Nani)
The talented Colombian, who impressed hugely at the World Cup this summer, is clearly the prime transfer target this summer, for all of the clubs on the look-out for a new wide player. United have been left frustrated by Nani who, similarly to Anderson, have never truly realised his full potential at Old Trafford. Although, admittedly, the Portuguese teammate has offered more that his Brazilian teammate over the years. Fiorentina star Cuadrado is likely to be available at around £30m.
3) Edinson Cavani (replacing Javier Hernandez)
With Javier Hernandez on the way out, United do have room in their squad for another striker. Quite how Louis van Gaal would be able to keep Cavani, Wayne Rooney, Robin van Persie and Danny Welbeck all happy with their levels of first team football is anyone’s guess – but there is little denying that it is an extremely desirable situation to find yourself in, and one that many Premier League clubs can only dream of. The Uruguayan forward has been linked with a move away from PSG this summer, where he has reportedly grown frustrated at playing second fiddle to Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
2) Daley Blind (replacing Marouane Fellaini)
With United already having recruited Ander Herrera to fill the playmaker role in their midfield, the Old Trafford side are now likely to be on the look out for a suitable holding player. Dutch World Cup star Daley Blind, who has also excelled at left back, would be a strong candidate – having already impressed Louis van Gaal during his time with the national team. His versatility could be an appealing option to United, especially considering their apparent desire to pursue a 3-5-2 formation next season.
1) Arturo Vidal (replacing Shinji Kagawa)
The Juventus star would be the ideal midfield partner for Ander Herrera. The Chilean international, who has been linked with United constantly this summer, has established himself as one of the most complete midfield players in the world in recent years, with his ability to help out both in attack and defence. United fans are still clinging to their hopes of the player joining their ranks before the start of the new Premier League season.