Manchester United fans went into the January transfer window full of expectation after a summer period in which they spent close to £200 million on reinforcements.

The Red Devils adopted a Galactico-like approach in the summer where they secured the signatures of world class stars such as Angel Di Maria and Radamel Falcao, supplemented by the likes of up-and-coming talents Ander Herrera and Marcos Rojo.

Reports suggested Louis van Gaal was set to enter the market once more in January with a top class central defender and a defensive midfielder his prime targets.

However, the only arrivals this winter proved to be former Barcelona goalkeeper Victor Valdes on a free transfer and Bolton Wanderers’ 21-year-old full back Andy Kellett – a signing to strengthen the club’s Under-21 side.

It may not have been the busy window everyone at Old Trafford had been expecting, especially when you consider the number of players linked over recent months.

Here we have identified the transfer XI Manchester United could have had this summer.
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Click on Louis van Gaal to reveal the transfer XI Manchester United could’ve had this January.

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Asmir Begovic

Reports continue to link David De Gea with a move to Real Madrid and whilst United were able to hold onto him this transfer window, it did not prevent reports linking them with a host of new goalkeepers.

Whilst they settled for the signing of Victor Valdes on a free, Stoke City’s Asmir Begovic is a man who has been linked with a move to a top Premier League club for some time.

Reports suggest he could be available for as little as £8 million given his contractual situation at the Britannia Stadium which may see United reignite their interest in the summer should De Gea opt for Real Madrid.

Nathaniel Clyne, Mats Hummels, Ron Vlaar, Marquinhos

No shortage of defenders were linked with a move to Old Trafford last month, which is why it came as such a surprise it was only the unknown Andy Kellett who arrived to bolster the under-21’s.

Southampton full back Nathaniel Clyne has been mentioned as a possible target after some superb performances for Ronald Koeman’s side this season. Mats Hummels is said to have been a long-term target and Borussia Dortmund’s current struggles in the Bundesliga seemed to indicate a deal was possible.

Aston Villa’s Ron Vlaar is a player van Gaal knows well from his time in charge of the Netherlands and his contractual situation at Villa Park meant a cut-price deal would have been simple to agree. And Paris Saint-Germain’s 21-year-old defender Marquinhos emerged as a deadline day target, with the skillful Brazilian currently sitting behind David Luiz and Thiago Silva in Laurent Blanc’s defensive pecking order in Paris.

Paul Pogba, Kevin Strootman, Luka Modric

With Darren Fletcher and Anderson both departing on deadline day, it came as something of a surprise that United did not add that defensive midfielder they are in need of.

van Gaal has been linked with no shortage of midfield superstars over the past few months. Reports linking Paul Pogba with a return to Old Trafford persist although Real Madrid are the current favourites to sign him in the summer in a massive £71 million move.

Luka Modric is another who has caught the eye of Old Trafford officials for some time and reports in Spain suggest family issues mean he would be willing to return to the Premier League in the near future.

Then there is Dutch international Kevin Strootman who is another player who van Gaal is familiar with although injury problems meant a January move was always unlikely. van Gaal will surely reignite an interest in all three at some point over the summer.

Marco Reus, Jackson Martinez, Memphis Depay 

Manchester United currently boast one of the most expensive and world renowned strikeforces in all of football with Wayne Rooney, Radamel Falcao and Robin van Persie all fighting for those striker’s positions. But that still hasn’t stopped van Gaal from being linked with new attacking talent.

Marco Reus is perhaps the most wanted man in all of Europe at present so it came as no surprise to see United’s name in and amongst the potential suitors.

Porto striker Jackson Martinez is actively looking for a move to another European club and has been mentioned as an alternative to Falcao come the end of the season.

Elsewhere, Dutch youngster Memphis Depay shone under van Gaal at the World Cup in the summer and has refused to sign a new contract at PSV Eindhoven. The pacey and talented winger would be available for a cut-price £10 million in May.