Manchester United boss Louis Van Gaal has promised more signings after a summer that has already seen some high profile arrivals at Old Trafford. Luke Shaw and Ander Herrera were snapped up in the early part of the transfer window but who else could the new manager be considering ahead of the new campaign?
Angel Di Maria
United are favourites to win the Premier League this season but if they are to radically improve on last year’s seventh place they will have to address a number of areas across the park. Real Madrid’s Di Maria had a poor World Cup in Argentine colours but he remains a favourite of Van Gaal and his goals can take the pressure away from the main strikers.
22 strikes in 124 league games for his La Liga side would help the burden but he needs to be a little less selfish in front of goal in order to become a fans’ favourite at Old Trafford.
Mats Hummels
United have improved in certain positions but replacements at centre half remain a priority after the departures of Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic. German World Cup winner Hummels was identified as a target some time ago and Van Gaal is in pole position to land his man.
The 25 year old is a solid and reliable figure at the heart of the defence while two goals in the recent world cup suggest that he will provide a tangible threat from set pieces.
Thomas Vermaelen
Another central defender, there was a rumour that Belgian international and Arsenal club captain Vermaelen had already signed for United prior to the World Cup. On his day, the 28 year old is one of the most dependable centre backs in World Football but a series of injuries has interrupted his progress at the Emirates.
After reclaiming his place in the Belgian side ahead of Jan Vertonghen, Vermaelen suffered further problems at the World Cup and that may be a concern for United fans. A further issue is that Arsene Wenger is said to want players in return as opposed to a fee – something that Van Gaal may be unwilling to agree to.
Edinson Cavani
Uruguayan international Cavani experienced a difficult first season at PSG thanks to a mix of injury and personal problems but despite that, his record of 16 goals from 30 matches was a respectable one.
The striker is likely to cost in excess of £50m but United need firepower and the 27 year old has the pedigree to become a success at Old Trafford.
Marco Reus
Borussia Dortmund’s Reus is one of Germany’s seemingly endless crop of attacking midfielders but amongst the likes of Mesut Ozil, Mario Gotze and Lukas Podolski, he is the most prolific of them all. In 62 matches for Dortmund, Reus has scored 30 goals and that’s a record that most centre forwards would be proud of.
Van Gaal is expected to face competition from Liverpool for the 25 year old but by all accounts, the new manager has been given a sizeable war chest in order to land the players he really needs.