The Manchester United fans here in the Transfer Tavern have been a disgruntled bunch this season, and even winning the FA Cup at the end of May might not be enough to cheer them up.
Several of Louis van Gaal’s signings from last summer simply haven’t worked out and there is a big decision to be made at board level as to whether or not the Dutchman carries on in the position.
One signing in particular which hasn’t worked out is that of winger Memphis Depay, who was expected to perform well in the Premier League after signing for a hefty fee of £25 million, despite only ever playing in the much easier Dutch league.
The Holland international could be on his way out of Old Trafford in the summer to free up some squad space for new recruits, one of which will undoubtedly be a wide player to replace Depay.
Our writer Lee Clarke takes a look at FIVE players who could fill the Memphis Depay-shaped hold in the Manchester United team…….
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PRESS THE IMAGE BELOW TO SEE THE FIVE PLAYERS!
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Cristiano Ronaldo
The thought of the global superstar rocking back up at Old Trafford is a romantic one, although probably unrealistic.
The Portuguese forward is seemingly happy at Real Madrid and if they were to win the Champions League this season he would have no real need to leave the club.
It would also take a completely ridiculous amount of money to get the forward away from Madrid and whether United would be willing to spend big on one player, remains to be seen.
Obviously Ronaldo is an exceptional player and would improve the Red Devils’ team considerably.
Mario Gotze
The Red Devils have not been linked with the German international yet, which is surprising as pretty much all of their rivals appear to be in the hunt.
The 23-year-old has been given the green light to complete a switch to the Premier League, after incoming Bayern Munich boss Carlo Ancelotti, deemed the little magician surplus to requirements.
United need to replace Depay with quality and in his role, there are few on the planet more able with a ball at their feet than this man.
The Red Devils should enter the market for this man and get themselves back in the race for major honours.
Hatem Ben Arfa
This one would be a big risk given his failed period in the Premier League, with Newcastle United but he has really turned his career around at Nice.
Ben Arfa has always been a capable player if his attitude is right and a move to Manchester United would be just rewards for a superb season in France.
His spell with the Magpies was littered with injury problems although he did score 12 goals in 72 appearances for the club.
Whilst it is very unlikely that the Red Devils will bid for the man who has 15 caps for the French national team, he would probably be a better performer than what Depay has been during the current campaign.
Marco Reus
The Germany international and Borussia Dortmund forward has been loyal to his current club for several years now, and it seems only natural that a bigger club will come calling sooner rather than later.
Reus has been in superb form for the German club during the current campaign and Manchester United should be actively pursuing this man.
Any English Premier League team would be delighted to have him on their books and he would really make a difference to whichever side he chooses to move to.
Signing Reus would be a big coup for Manchester United, especially if they fail to make the Champions League, with his signing likely to signal a title push next season.
James Rodriguez
Another world class player who looks set to begin the quest for his next club this summer is Real Madrid man Rodriguez.
The Colombian has struggled to hold down a regular place in the Madrid side this season, and will leave in search of regular game time elsewhere.
The form of Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale hasn’t helped him get into the Madrid side, but the form of Memphis Depay this season, will make him a certainty to get into the Manchester United side.
Rodriguez would be seen as a massive addition to the Red Devils’ side and a move for the player would make their rivals stand up and take notice.
