It’s been a tough week for Manchester United fans in the Football Transfer Tavern, who are still coming to terms with the manner in which their FA Cup dream was wrecked by Arsenal on Monday night.
Louis van Gaal’s side produced another underwhelming display as they have done so often this season – however this time there was no win to mask it.
It has been a disappointing season in truth from United, and whilst you could argue van Gaal needs time to turn things around and rebuild – the fact they have spent more than £200million in the last three transfer windows suggests they should be doing more than challenging for a top four place without any chance of silverware as the season reaches it’s climax.
Van Gaal will be expected to mount a title challenge next term, and will once again be backed heavily in the transfer market.
Here we have identified five potential signings the United boss should look to make this summer in order to make that happen.
[ffc-gallery]
Click on Louis van Gaal to reveal 5 players Manchester United must sign in the summer
[/ffc-gallery]
Kevin Strootman
The classy defensive midfielder is someone van Gaal knows well from his days in charge of the Netherlands.
Manchester United have been linked consistently with Strootman prior to van Gaal’s arrival at Old Trafford, yet a serious injury has delayed what appears to be an inevitable move.
United are in desperate need of a top class defensive midfielder, and a partnership of Strootman and Daley Blind next season would provide a solid foundation for United’s attacking stars to go out and cause havoc.
Nathaniel Clyne
Right back has been a problematic position for Manchester United this season, with Rafael struggling for consistent form and fitness.
Van Gaal has attempted to resolve the situation with the use of wing backs in a 3-5-2 formation, and has recently deployed Antonio Valencia in the position – the Equador international was at fault for Arsenal’s winner on Monday night.
Southampton’s Nathaniel Clyne has been one of the outstanding full backs in the country this season, and reports suggest he has caught United’s attention.
Given the way in which the Saints rebuilt last summer, they would not be fearful of selling Clyne to United if another big money offer came their way.
Mats Hummels
United have been consistently linked with a host of centre backs, including their former captain Nemanja Vidic – who only completed a switch to Inter Milan last summer.
The name most frequently mentioned however is that of Mats Hummels, with the German World Cup winner having endured a wretched season at Borussia Dortmund.
Jurgen Klopp’s side have spent much of the season in the relegation zone, and despite having recently moved up to midtable, they remain more than 30 points behind league leaders Bayern Munich.
It remains to be seen whether Hummels has become disheartened enough to move away in the summer, but reports continue to suggest United will be able to sign him for the right price – thought to be in the region of £30million.
Saido Berahino
It is becoming more clear by the week that Radamel Falcao has no long term future at Old Trafford. The Colombian’s latest low point saw him substituted during an under-21 match this week.
United have been linked with several strikers as an alternative, but West Brom’s Saido Berahino has produced the most headlines this week, having been spotted in the crowd during Monday night’s FA Cup exit at the hands of Arsenal.
Berahino has been in fine form for the Baggies this season, and has 17 goals to his name in all competitions. He is likely to be sold for the right price in the summer, and would offer United the pace they have often been missing from their strikers this term.
Gareth Bale
The world’s most expensive player has been having a tough time of it at Real Madrid this season. Despite helping Carlo Ancelotti’s side to the Champions League title last season, Bale has been consistently booed by his own fans this season at the Bernabeu.
Manchester United have been linked several times in the past, and are one of the few clubs in world football who have the financial power to sign him.
Reports have suggested Real would be willing to sell for the right price in order to fund moves for Sergio Aguero and Marco Reus.
With Bale currently feeling unloved in Spain, a return to the Premier League this summer is a genuine possibility.
