Louis Van Gaal made three promises to the Old Trafford faithful when he began his first season – Champions League qualification at the end of the season, the Premier League title at the end of the second season and European success at the end of the third. He has delivered on one of the three counts but only after spending close to 150 million last summer. To ensure he keeps his promise for the upcoming season, Van Gaal will be spending big again in the next 3 months. He has kick started his shopping spree by signing Memphis Depay from PSV Eindhoven. A bunch of new additions are expected to follow.
The Manchester United transfer wish list is a growing one. It includes world class talent – Cristiano Ronaldo from Real Madrid, Mats Hummels from Borussia Dortmund and Hugo Lloris from Spurs. The exodus from Old Trafford might be just as glamorous though, with Robin Van Persie, David De Gea and Angel Di Maria all looking at hazy futures. Cutting through the speculation let’s take a look at what Van Gaal’s Manchester United 2.0 will look like.
Can Van Gaal win the Premier League with this bunch?
A possible 4-1-4-1 formation with the right set of signings can take United to the forefront of Premier League contention.
- Hugo Lloris
The ambiguity surrounding David De Gea, United’s best player this season, has forced the management to line up a replacement in the likely case of his departure to Real Madrid. Hugo Lloris has been on the radar ever since De Gea’s contract negotiations became sticky. The 28-year old Spurs goalkeeper is one of the best in the world and will cost Van Gaal £30 million. All logical reasoning points to De Gea playing for Real Madrid next season, while Manchester United should be able to lure Lloris with the prospect of Champions League football next year.
- Nathaniel Clyne
The Saints full back is one of the best in the Premier League in his position. Clyne has a year left on his contract at the St. Mary’s and will cost United close to £18 million. He will be the answer to many of United’s problems. The right back position has not had a permanent dweller in a long time and Nathaniel Clyne could be the defender who can cement his place in the role.
- Mats Hummels
It has been a well-known truth that United were on the lookout for an anchoring centre-back, one who would bring stability and experience to the back four. With Borussia Dortmund having the season from hell, Mats Hummels has emerged as the top target to fit the bill. He will fill the shoes left behind by Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand. Hummels will also be instrumental in the development of younger defenders such as Luke Shaw, Chris Smalling and Phil Jones.
- Memphis Depay
The 21-year old midfielder is the perfect replacement for Adnan Januzaj and will initially be restricted to the super-sub role filling in Angel Di Maria or possibly Gareth Bale next season. He will surely get his chance to shine in domestic competitions but that is all we can expect to see of him if United succeed in buying a world class winger – Ronaldo or Bale. Depay will grow exponentially in his first season at Old Trafford and will be a regular starter in his second.
- Cristiano Ronaldo
The return of the prodigal son is definitely on the cards. A trophy less season, a change in management could prompt a move back to the club where it all started for Ronaldo. Rumours of a £100million bid are growing strong and Real Madrid will look to make the most out of him, financially, as he enters his 30’s and will continuously lose value with every passing season.
