Five exciting deals that are still alive for United and Louis van Gaal.Manchester United have again endured a frustrating summer in the transfer market after only managing to bring in Luke Shaw and Ander Herrera so far, despite links to so many big-name targets.
The arrival of Louis van Gaal was expected to help bring in several world class names for the Red Devils, with many parts of the team still in need of strengthening after last season’s disastrous 7th place finish in the Premier League.
Still, United are believed to be working on finishing with a flourish before the transfer deadline, and could still land as many as five world class stars, with the help of offloading some of their unwanted squad players. See below for five players that could be lining up at Old Trafford next season if van Gaal gets his way.
5) Marcos Rojo (Sporting Lisbon)
Despite reports of complications in this deal, it still looks likely that Manchester United will snap up the highly impressive Sporting Lisbon defender Marcos Rojo this summer. The Argentine was in great form at this summer’s World Cup, and will be a highly useful signing to fill in at both centre-back and left-back, providing a replacement for Nemanja Vidic and Patrice Evra in one go. With Luke Shaw now out injured for the start of the season, the arrival of this versatile 24-year-old looks even more importsnt for the Red Devils.
4) Mehdi Benatia (AS Roma)
A world class centre-back, United now face competition from Chelsea for the signing of AS Roma star Mehdi Benatia. Still, with the Red Devils badly in need of two signings in that part of the pitch after losing both Vidic and Rio Ferdinand – two of the club’s most important players down the years – Benatia is a must-sign for the club, and would surely have more chance of regular football at Old Trafford than at Stamford Bridge anyway.
3) Juan Cuadrado (Fiorentina)
One of the most exciting wingers in Europe at the moment, Manchester United now look in a good position to sign Fiorentina star Juan Cuadrado after Barcelona reportedly dropped out of the running for his signature. The Colombian international was superb at this summer’s World Cup, starring alongside Real Madrid’s new Galactico James Rodriguez, and he would make the ideal signing for Louis van Gaal’s 3-5-2 formation, taking up a role on the right-hand side.
2) Angel Di Maria (Real Madrid)
Another superb winger to add some real quality to this United squad, Angel Di Maria could still make his way from Real Madrid to Old Trafford this summer after Paris Saint-Germain pulled out of a deal for the Argentine as he was too expensive for them. United are ready to break their transfer record for the 26-year-old, who was a key player for Madrid in their Champions League-winning campaign, and van Gaal has strongly hinted at a move by saying his side lack a winger of Di Maria’s quality.
1) Arturo Vidal (Juventus)
Known to be a favourite of new United manager van Gaal, Arturo Vidal remains a long-time transfer target for the club and one who could still make his way to England before the end of the summer. The Chilean international is widely regarded as one of the best central midfield players in the world at the moment after his starring displays in Serie A in recent years, and he has all the attributes United need in the middle of the park at the moment with superb energy, creativity and an eye for goal.
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Vidal to Man Utd