Sportwilliam carvalhotoni kroosmanchester united

Louis Van Gaal: Manchester United's 10 Potential Transfers

10 Men Van Gaal Could Sign To Revitalise United
Samuel Luckhurst
|
Open Image Modal
PA/AP

"If you look at their budget, they have to finish high," Louis van Gaal teased Manchester United supporters on Monday night.

David Moyes was so diplomatic when he arrived at United he barely sold anyone. Anderson wasn't farmed out on loan until January, players that were never good enough, such as Ashley Young and Tom Cleverley, were granted more lives than a cat and others were just too comfortable in an uncompetitive squad. A cull is required.

As well as selling, Van Gaal will be buying. Moyes, nicknamed "Dithering" at Everton, struggled to even do that last summer and when he did he shelled out £27.5 million on Marouane Fellaini on deadline day.

United need at least six players if they are to challenge for the title next season, and the authoritative Van Gaal is likely to make the most of the £150m-£200m available to him.

Here are 10 possible targets...

Possible Van Gaal signings
Mats Hummels, Borussia Dortmund(01 of11)
Open Image Modal
With Marco Reus and İlkay Gündoğan both remaining in Dortmund for at least another year, the Yellow and Blacks' biggest sale could be defender Hummels. He left Bayern Munich the same year Van Gaal joined the club - albeit when Jupp Heynckes was in caretaker charge - and Van Gaal would relish working with one young player that got away.United need a defensive distributor to complement the hulking Chris Smalling at centre-back, and Hummels is an excellent footballer capable of instigating attacks. (credit:Getty Images)
Edinson Cavani, PSG(02 of11)
Open Image Modal
United have not hid their interest in Cavani, although talk of a move has quietened down since it became apparent Van Gaal would definitely take over a few weeks ago. All four of United's strikers considered leaving at some point last season, though, so a new forward would at least draw a line under the Moyes error. (credit:Getty Images)
Arjen Robben, Holland(03 of11)
Open Image Modal
Van Gaal brought eight Dutch players to Barcelona when he coached there, so it would be a surprise if Robin van Persie is not joined by a compatriot at Old Trafford this summer.United need a winger and irrespective of how predictable he is, Arjen Robben is still incredibly effective. The 30-year-old only signed a two-year extension until 2017 this year, although he has spent five years in Germany, won everything, and might be attracted by a return to the Premier League under Van Gaal. United tried to sign him 10 years ago. (credit:Getty Images)
Kevin Strootman, Roma(04 of11)
Open Image Modal
Out injured until October, Strootman was scouted by United last year but Moyes, being Moyes, dithered and the Dutchman excelled in Rome.United's midfield is experiencing a five-year malaise and needs addressing immediately, though, so while his steely silkiness would be welcomed, an October start date is perhaps too late. (credit:Getty Images)
Xavi, Barcelona(05 of11)
Open Image Modal
Although he is contracted to Barcelona until 2016, Xavi could leave this summer and has offers from both the US and England. Van Gaal gave him his Barça debut - aptly, at Old Trafford - in 1998 and could turn to an experienced head to steady United's midfield misery. (credit:Getty Images)
Luke Shaw, Southampton(06 of11)
Open Image Modal
Shaw will almost certainly join United this summer, despite Ashley Cole's announcement he will leave Shaw's boyhood club, Chelsea, on Tuesday. (credit:Getty Images)
William Carvalho, Sporting Lisbon(07 of11)
Open Image Modal
A player who would have almost certainly joined United had Moyes remained in charge, Carvalho would bring some much needed zeal and steel to a midfield laden with strikers. But does Van Gaal want him? (credit:Getty Images)
Jordy Clasie, Feyenoord(08 of11)
Open Image Modal
Another Dutchman, it was Clasie's Paul Scholes-like vision which made Robin van Persie's sensational chest-and-volley against Ecuador possible at the weekend. A young, Dutch midfielder and a Van Gaal favourite, he fits the bill. (credit:Getty Images)
Juan Cuadrado, Fiorentina(09 of11)
Open Image Modal
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - JUNE 28: Juan Guillermo Cuadrado of Colombia celebrates his team's second goal scored by James Rodriguez (L) during the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil round of 16 match between Colombia and Uruguay at Maracana on June 28, 2014 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images) (credit:Clive Rose via Getty Images)
Angel di María, Real Madrid(10 of11)
Open Image Modal
SAO PAULO, BRAZIL - JULY 01: Angel di Maria of Argentina celebrates scoring his team's first goal in extra time during the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil Round of 16 match between Argentina and Switzerland at Arena de Sao Paulo on July 1, 2014 in Sao Paulo, Brazil. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images) (credit:Julian Finney via Getty Images)
Arturo Vidal, Juventus(11 of11)
Open Image Modal
Juventus' midfielder Arturo Vidal celebrates after scoring during the UEFA Europa League football match Juventus vs Fiorentina on March 13, 2014 at the Juventus Stadium in Turin. AFP PHOTO / MARCO BERTORELLO (Photo credit should read MARCO BERTORELLO/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:AFP via Getty Images)
Suggest a correction
|
Submit a tip