Van Gaal’s January transfer plans revealed.Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal is hoping to continue his major squad overhaul at Old Trafford this January, with three more big names set to come in as three also head out of the exit door.
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The Red Devils offloaded a number of their under-performers in a ruthless cull by new boss van Gaal during the summer, and it is now thought that the Dutchman is ready to continue wielding the axe, with three more big names likely to be heading out if the club can find buyers in the winter.
After finishing 7th in the Premier League last season and getting off to a bad start in 2014/15, it is clear that major changes are needed at United before they can re-establish themselves as a force of the English game again, and van Gaal is already planning for more exits and arrivals to put his own stamp on this team inherited from his predecessors David Moyes and Sir Alex Ferguson.
With a couple of surprise names chosen to be shown the door, here is van Gaal’s vision for the ideal January transfer window for United:
Out: Phil Jones
Reports today suggest that United defender Phil Jones has just four months to prove himself to van Gaal and save his Old Trafford career, with the club’s new manager already keeping a keen eye out for a world class signing at centre-back to come in in his place. Although Jones looked a terrific talent when he first arrived at United as a youngster from Blackburn Rovers, his career has not taken off since then and he is now widely seen as a versatile player without a true calling in any specific position, as well as a somewhat hot-headed and error-prone individual for one playing in defence.
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In: Mats Hummels (Borussia Dortmund)
In Jones’ place, United want to finally sign long-time target Mats Hummels from Borussia Dortmund. The German international, a World Cup winner with his country this summer, is truly one of the best in the world in his position at the moment, and may be available for as little as £20m this winter as he seemingly remains keen on leaving Dortmund for a new challenge abroad. Barcelona and Real Madrid have also been linked with the 25-year-old in recent times, but United are fairly confident that they can persuade him to make the move to the Premier League instead as they continue to shake up their squad with more big-name arrivals.
Out: Marouane Fellaini
A player certainly not deemed good enough for Manchester United after some highly disappointing form since his £27.5m move from Everton last summer, Marouane Fellaini was close to leaving the club this summer. The Belgian international faces increased competition for places in midfield this season after the club finally landed long-time target Ander Herrera from Athletic Bilbao, and with van Gaal still chasing another signing in central midfield, it seems highly likely that Fellaini will be shipped out, most likely to Napoli, who remain his main admirers.
In: Kevin Strootman (AS Roma)
A superb midfield playmaker, AS Roma star Kevin Strootman is widely believed to be United’s top target to come in in the middle of the park and finally provide that long-term replacement for the legendary Paul Scholes. The Netherlands international knows van Gaal well from their time with the Dutch national team and has shown his quality in Serie A. An injury prevented him from moving during the summer, but United are preparing to come back with a bid of around £25m when the transfer window re-opens, and Strootman is open to leaving the Stadio Olimpico for Old Trafford if the offer comes along.
Out: Juan Mata
A surprise candidate for the exit door, Juan Mata has today been linked with a move to Italian giants Juventus after less than a year at United since joining the club from Chelsea in what was briefly their club-record transfer deal. The Spanish playmaker has not been at his best since leaving Stamford Bridge, and his place is now under threat from summer purchase Angel Di Maria, whom van Gaal is likely to build his team around for the next few years. Mata does not have a clear role out wide or centrally in United’s 3-5-2 formation, and United are already readying an offer to bring in a player more suited to their current tactical setup. A big-money offer from Juventus should help fund their next high-profile transfer target.
In: Juan Cuadrado (Fiorentina)
Valued at around £36m, Fiorentina winger Juan Cuadrado is the ideal player to come in if Juan Mata does make the move to Juventus. The Colombian international is a more pacey and direct attacker who can also operate well as a wing-back on either side of the pitch. After a superb showing in Serie A last term and at this summer’s World Cup, the 26-year-old has been targeted by a number of top clubs, including United, in the last few months. A summer move did not quite work out for Cuadrado this time around, but this world class talent will surely be on his way to a bigger club before long, and the Red Devils will hope to win the race for his signature.