Manchester United fans are red-faced in the Football Transfer Tavern not for the first time this summer.
Supporters had spent the past fortnight boasting that Barcelona star Pedro was on his way to Old Trafford, only to see Chelsea swoop in and complete the deal at the last minute.
Once again Louis van Gaal finds himself on the hunt for another forward player, with Ed Woodward seemingly having missed out on a host of big deals over the summer window.
Not long remains now, and despite a 100% record over the opening two games of the season, United have still looked short of firepower.
Here we have identified five players Woodward and co should look to get on board after Pedro completed his move to Chelsea.
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Click on Louis van Gaal to reveal 5 players Manchester United need to sign after Pedro joined Chelsea
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John Stones
Not just because Chelsea stole one of United’s targets should the Red Devils retaliate, but because a move to Old Trafford for Everton’s John Stones makes a lot of sense.
The 21-year-old has been the subject of three huge bids from Chelsea, yet there is no guarantee he will walk straight into the first team at Stamford Bridge.
United could afford him, as well as offering him more first team opportunities. And if it annoyed those at Chelsea in the process, well that would just be a bonus wouldn’t it?
Keylor Navas
The David De Gea saga continues to rumble on, and there are those at Old Trafford now who think it may be best for everyone to just admit defeat.
De Gea has been left out of the two opening games of the season already amidst interest from Real Madrid, who are reportedly offering goalkeeper Keylor Navas in part exchange.
The Costa Rican was outstanding at the 2014 World Cup, and would provide some serious competition for Sergio Romero between the sticks.
Thomas Muller
£60million is the reported asking price for Bayern Munich star Thomas Muller, a fee that hasn’t put off Manchester United previously.
Van Gaal has made it clear he wants to add more goals to his side, and Muller is proven at providing them at the highest level.
Muller has won all there is to win on the domestic stage in Germany, and was key in his countries World Cup success in 2014.
His signing would be considered a massive statement to those outside Old Trafford.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Van Gaal needs a striker before the close of the transfer window, with Wayne Rooney out of sorts and Javier Hernandez seemingly not rated by the manager.
He has also stated his desire to land a ‘galactico’ and Zlatan Ibrahimovic certainly fits that bill.
There have been reports all summer that Manchester United are keen to give him a crack at the Premier League, and a deadline day shock in the same manner they signed Falcao 12 months ago should not be ruled out.
Harry Kane
Alternatively, United could look a little closer to home. Harry Kane is another who has been linked with a switch to Old Trafford over the summer, and although Tottenham have no desire to sell, with time ticking United could well become desperate and launch a bid that is so outrageous it could surpass the £49million Manchester City paid Liverpool for Raheem Sterling.
Kane enjoyed a fantastic season at Tottenham during 2014-15, this campaign for him is all about proving he is not just a one season wonder.
