Manchester United fans in the Football Transfer Tavern can expect a Monday morning hangover, having spent the afternoon celebrating a crucial three points over bitter rivals Liverpool.
Two goals from Juan Mata – the second of which was a spectacular scissor kick – ensured United moved five points clear of their bitter rivals in the race for Champions League football next season, on an afternoon in which Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard was sent off less than sixty seconds after coming on as a half time substitute.
Louis van Gaal’s side are now the firm favourites to finish in the top four, after back to back wins over Tottenham and Liverpool which have come as a result of their two best performances of the season.
Should they finish in the top four as expected, van Gaal will have an easier time attracting top talent to Old Trafford in the summer, with widespread reports suggesting Borussia Dortmund centre back Mats Hummels is likely to be their first signing when the transfer window opens.
Here we have identified five more stars who could follow the German to Old Trafford.
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Click on Louis van Gaal to reveal 5 players to follow Mats Hummels to Manchester United next summer
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Raphael Varane
The France defender is rated as one of the best young players in Europe, yet he still can’t hold down a regular place at Real Madrid, with Pepe and Sergio Ramos also competing for the starting centre back positions.
Reports have linked Varane with a move to the Premier League in the summer, with Manchester United and Chelsea the two clubs supposedly fighting for his signature.
Louis van Gaal is keen to add two new defenders to his squad in the summer, with a partnership of Hummels and Varane the ideal scenario come next season.
Paul Pogba
The decision to let Paul Pogba leave the club in 2011 has been one that has haunted United for the last four years, and one which they are looking to rectify this summer according to various reports.
Pogba has established himself as one of Europe’s finest midfielders during his time with Juventus, but is said to be open to a return to the Premier League.
The 22-year-old is still angered by the way in which he was not allowed to prove himself at Old Trafford, so it remains to be seen whether he would be open to a return – especially with Real Madrid reportedly preparing a £70million offer of their own.
Nathaniel Clyne
United spent more than £30million in signing Luke Shaw from Southampton last summer, and they may well return to the south coast club for their next full back according to reports.
Nathaniel Clyne has enjoyed a fine season at St Mary’s, and has also established himself in Roy Hodgson’s England plans.
With Rafael having spent much of the season on the sidelines, Louis van Gaal has been forced to use natural winger Antonio Valencia in the right back role in recent weeks.
Clyne has been a key part of the Saints defence that has the best record in the league, whilst also proving himself a threat going forward.
Memphis Depay
The Dutch youngster is a player Louis van Gaal knows well. Depay became the youngest goalscorer in the Netherlands World Cup history under van Gaal’s leadership last summer, and has continued to impress at PSV since.
Tottenham have registered an interest in the pacy winger, but recent reports suggest Manchester United have moved ahead of Mauricio Pochettino’s side in the race for 21-year-old’s signature, with Ashley Young’s future undecided, despite some improved performances in recent weeks.
Gareth Bale
Whilst Gareth Bale became the most expensive player in world football less than two years ago, reports linking him with a move to Manchester United this summer just won’t go away.
Bale has had a tough time at Real Madrid in recent weeks, with his own supporters often booing him at the Bernabeu.
The Welshman may well be keen to return to a league in which he is loved, and Manchester United are one of the few clubs who could afford him.
Real Madrid are reportedly keen to try and lure Sergio Aguero and Marco Reus to the Bernabeu this summer, so the sale of Bale may well fund this.
