Over the past few days, it has become abundantly clear that former Bayern Munich and Ajax manager Louis Van Gaal is going to take over the hot seat from interim manager Ryan Giggs. The Dutchman’s fiery temper and a no-nonsense approach is sure to ruffle a few feathers at Old Trafford and it remains to be seen how many players leave the club this summer.
Even more likely is that prospect of several key additions to the playing staff in the summer once the Dutchman returns back from the World Cup. Here are three players that Van Gaal should sign at all costs to revive United’s fortunes next season.
1. Luke Shaw
Following in the footsteps of Gareth, the world’s most expensive player and the last left back to come through the Southampton academy is by no means an easy task. But such has been Luke Shaw’s form this season that he has made the transition so seamless. Given the hype that is generally given to talented teenagers that make their mark in the Premier League, it is now wonder why most fail to live up to it.
So far, Shaw has, not only stood up to them, but also exceeded them as well. Blessed with pace and a very precise left foot, Shaw has shown that he is equally capable of both going forward and holding his shape defensively. Whether it is keeping track of runners, heading the ball clear, intercepting attacks before they can develop or launching an attack with a marauding run or a precise pass, Shaw can do it all.
Given Patrice Evra’s gradually declining form and the lack of a suitable replacement in their own ranks, signing Shaw should be number one on Van Gaal’s priority list.