Manchester United fans here in the Transfer Tavern are looking ahead to next season already, after another underwhelming Premier League campaign.
Thanks to a surprise West Ham defeat away at Stoke, and a rampant Southampton thrashing struggling Crystal Palace 4-1, Louis Van Gaal’s men have overtaken the Saints into 5th place and absolutely guarantee Europa League football next season.
European football can still be secured for United through winning the FA Cup however, and the club are still guaranteed at least a qualifying spot thanks to Manchester City winning the League cup earlier in the season and furthermore finishing 4th in the league.
Complicated I know. Dutchman Van Gaal will certainly want to end the season on a high however following a hit and miss season for his side, and with the former Ajax man’s future up in the air, he will certainly want to bolster his chances of remaining at the helm next season with victory tonight.
Regardless of the result – and indeed the fate of Van Gaal – United must improve next season. With the European Championships in France in July, it gives clubs across Europe a chance to scout for their summer transfer targets.
Roy Hodgson’s England are joined in Group B by Russia, Slovakia and of course Wales as the Englishman’s side will hope to bring home only their second ever major trophy.
Could Louis Van Gaal (or Jose Mourinho) find the answer to United’s problems in Group B? Our landlord thinks they can and has identified FIVE Group B players Man United must consider signing……
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PRESS THE IMAGE BELOW TO SEE THE FIVE GROUP B PLAYERS!
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Gareth Bale
Galactico Bale has enjoyed a fine season in Madrid, scoring 20 goals and providing 11 assists for Los Blancos as Zinedine Zidane’s side fell just short of the La Liga title.
Many questions as to his popularity with the fans have arisen during the Welshman’s tenure at the club, and with that of course comes speculation over his future.
The world’s most expensive player may feel more appreciated back in the Premier League.
Marek Hamsik
Hamsik already has over 400 appearances under his belt for current side Napoli, and has been an omnipresent figure the club’s renewed success over the half a decade.
Napoli enjoyed their best finish since their 2007 return to Serie A this season, coming in 2nd behind Juventus.
While eye’s may turn to record breaking Gonzalo Higuain, Hamsik is Maurizio Sarri’s secret star.
Ashley Williams
Quite how one of the top clubs in England haven’t made a move for Williams is astonishing.
Although it has been a poor season for Swansea, the Welshman has once again been the stand out figure at the Liberty with his colossal performances at the back.
With a chance to shine on the big stage, Williams may finally be given the accolades he deserves this summer.
Alan Dzagoev
The star of Russia’s Euro 2012 campaign, in which Dzagoev finished joint top scorer in the tournament, the CSKA man has since gone totally off the radar.
He barely featured in Russia’s dire group stage exit at the 2014 World Cup, and had struggled at CSKA Moscow in the years since.
However an impressive season in Russia has brought the 25-year -ld back to the attention of Premier League clubs, and a big tournament from the Russian could really cement his status.
John Stones
After a dismal season on Merseyside, I’d put my money on the highly rated Englishman to leave Goodison this summer.
Everton did everything in their power to keep their star defender from the grasp of Chelsea last summer hoping to bolster their squad, and push the club on to the heights of the top four.
With that having failed – quite miserably too – Stones could make the switch to Old Trafford as he looks to progress.
