3 Realistic Deals Van Gaal Should Do After Taking Over At Manchester United

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.

2. Kevin Strootman

Marouane Fellaini was brought in by David Moyes to plug the Roy Keane sized hole in the center of United’s midfield, but with each passing game, the Belgian is looking like the flop fo the season. So, it is not beyond reason to assume that United will be in the market for yet another central midfielder this time around.

And if it as an all-round ball playing, goal scoring and tough tackling central midfielder they need, then AS Roma’s Kevin Strootman is their man. The 24-year-old Dutchman has come through leaps and bounds at the Italian club and might well be persuaded to join his compatriot at United.

Still only 24, Strootman’s best years are in front of him and should United sign him, they will finally have a box-to-box player to call their own.

3. Mehdi Benatia

With Nemanja Vidic leaving for Inter Milan and Rio Ferdinand likely to follow him out of United, the club are likely to find themselves without an experienced center half to lead the back line next season. And if they are looking for a young, but experienced center half to lead the defense, then they need to look no further than Roma’s Mehdi Benatia.

The 26-year-old center back has quickly established himself as one of the most reliable center halves in Europe at the moment. Not only is he a good central defender, but he is a natural-born leader like Vidic and could very well lead the back line for years to come.

Although he only just moved to Roma last summer, should a sizeable offer come from United, he is likely to arrive at Old Trafford. Given his passing prowess, aerial ability and knack of coming up with crucial goals, Benatia looks like the perfect player to replace Vidic.