How can Louis van Gaal make his mark on the United squad in January?
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Manchester United are set to be one of the busiest teams during the January transfer window, with two consecutive Premier League draws having again exposed the reasons why Red Devils manager Louis van Gaal is still not convinced by the quality and depth of his squad at Old Trafford.
It is at the back where United are expected to be most busy, with a couple of defensive bodies at least required on the evidence of the season so far, whilst there is still room for improvement further up the pitch.
Here are six deals that we think would most benefit the Red Devils this January:
Out) Adnan Januzaj (Loan)
Teenage Belgian winger Adnan Januzaj is a fine player and will go on to be a top class star for United, but he has lost his way slightly this season and needs regular action if he is to harness his clear potential into consistent performances. Real Sociedad, managed by former United boss David Moyes, have been mentioned and the Basques would certainly make sense as a potential destination.
In) Dani Alves (Barcelona)
United have shown themselves to have no issues with bringing in proven, top class talents on big wages over the last couple of seasons – and Barcelona right back Dani Alves would make sense as another big name capture. A huge part of Barcelona’s success over recent seasons through his intelligent bursts forward from right back, Alves would fit Louis van Gaal’s three at the back system like a glove.
Out) Anderson
It is clear that expensive midfielder Anderson has no future at Old Trafford – he even has a long way to go to prove that he has any future in top level football. Even if it came down to paying off the last six months of his contract, it is time for the two parties to separate amicably.
In) Victor Valdes
Anders Lindegaard has rarely looked like a Premier League standard goalkeeper during his long spell as Old Trafford back up, so it certainly makes sense for van Gaal to be searching for experienced, quality cover for the superb David de Gea. Victor Valdes has been training with the club and would certainly make sense as a short term buy.
Out) Nick Powell
Midfielder Nick Powell has been sent back early from a disappointing spell on loan at Premier League basement side Leicester City – and is looking unlikely to fulfill the clear potential he had when signed from Crewe Alexandra as a teenager. It is probably time for United to cut their losses.
In) Diego Godin (Atletico Madrid)
If they are willing to meet the huge release clause in Uruguayan Diego Godin’s contract, the experienced centre back may well be the best that United are able to attract. He is not getting any young, but some experience and a calm head are what United need to sharpen up at the back and help to bring through their plethora of young defenders.
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