Man United transfers – What do United really need?

Posted Friday, December 26, 2014 by Thepeoplesperson.com

With talk of Louis van Gaal receiving yet another war-chest to spend this coming summer, speculation has arisen about a whole host of players that Man United could sign.

As is always the case with United, they are linked with a large number of players every year. Only a handful of these rumours are accurate and furthermore, United would only really need a small percentage of them. With a reported £150 million at his disposal, Van Gaal will look for players who will fit well into his system and the philosophy he has been trying to instil at Old Trafford this season.

One such player is Kevin Strootman. Van Gaal and Strootman already have a great relationship from their time together with the Dutch national team and reports seem to suggest that Strootman idolises his former Holland manager. The Roma midfielder is someone who has been on United’s radar for some time now after his impressive performances for both club and country.

Until this summer, United seemed to neglect the central midfield position with their transfer activity. The acquisitions of Daley Blind and Ander Herrera finally put an end to that and the purchase of Strootman could finally complete Van Gaal’s midfield. For the first time in years, the Old Trafford faithful could start to see a midfield to rival the teams of the 1990s.

Perhaps the more obvious trouble area for United is their defence. Having been forced to play youngsters Tyler Blackett and Paddy McNair this season, Van Gaal would surely like to bolster his options at centre back.

There has been talk of a move for Atletico Madrid captain Diego Godin in recent weeks. At 29 years old, Godin would bring tenacity and experience to Van Gaal’s back four. On the other hand, he could cost a large sum which, financially, may not make sense for a player who could only have a few years left.

A more attractive, but perhaps slightly less attainable, option could be Mats Hummels. The Borussia Dortmund man has been one of the best in his position for a number of years now and would cost the club an arm and a club. However, with Dortmund struggling in the Bundesliga and United prepared to splash the cash, fans could look forward to a bid for the German international. Soon to be 26, Hummels will be reaching the peak of his career and would definitely provide such much needed stability to Van Gaal’s back-line.

Another decision the Reds will have to make is whether to keep Radamel Falcao. United have the option to buy the Colombian forward but given the stop-start nature to his time at Old Trafford so far, Ed Woodward and Van Gaal may be slightly reluctant. If they do decide to let him go back to his parent club Monaco, another forward will surely need to be brought in. With Robin van Persie seemingly in the twilight years of his career, the Reds would surely look for youth in the centre forward area to accompany Wayne Rooney and co.

The summer of 2015 will definitely be one full of rumours, speculation and a lot of money being splashed around. However, one thing is certain - United are definitely looking to improve the current squad and make a statement.

Claims of being the new Real Madrid would not be far off if Van Gaal does indeed spend what is being reported. The supporters will be hoping that, like Real Madrid, the huge sums of money will also bring huge amounts of success.