Ander Herrera is all set to join Manchester United after reports broke this morning that the Red Devils had trigged his €36m release clause. He will join on a four year contract, earning around €3m per year.
Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal will be given a hefty transfer war-chest to rebuild the squad this summer, and one can expect a few more signings to follow after this. Signing one or two quality centre backs is a top priority as United need to fill the void left by club legends Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand. Furthermore, at least two world class central midfielders are required while a good left back should also feature in Van Gaal’s long list of preferred targets.
Here we take a look at five such players, United would do well to sign this summer. These are no random names, but players who are/were heavily linked with United in the media within past one year or so.
Luke Shaw
Manchester United are one of those clubs who traditionally have given emphasis on nurturing young talents. So, naturally when the opportunity came to snap up the best young left-back in the country at the moment, United showed their interest and approached formally to secure his services.
Chelsea were also thought to be interested in him but backed down, refusing to match the high price-tag set by Southampton. Not many clubs in this world would have gambled with the £30m price tag for a 18-year-old; then again, not many clubs in this world are Manchester United. He is seen as a long term replacement of Patrice Evra and United can hope to tie down his best years at Old Trafford.
Mats Hummels
The German international is probably one of the two best central defenders in the world at the moment, the other one being Thiago Silva. You need world class players to fill the boots left by your club legends and arguably Hummels belongs to that ‘top class’ category.
The only problem lies in luring him away from Borussia Dortmund. With no Champions League football to offer, United will have to pay over the odds to bring in top class players.
Miranda
The Brazilian defender was rock solid at the back for Atletico Madrid, helping them win their first La Liga title in many years. He will be a solid addition to the team but it remains to be seen whether United are willing to pay around €30m for a 29-year-old defender.
Bastian Schweinsteiger
Manchester United are in dire need of quality central midfielders. Michael Carrick, 32, has been the best of the average lot United have got at disposal and even he didn’t perform that well last season. Fellaini might be performing well for Belgium in the World Cup, but Manchester United fans must be knowing by now that he is not the solution to United’s midfield problems. But probably Bastian Schweinsteiger is. Why? Because he is world class.
James Ducker of The Times reported that Van Gaal has asked United hierarchy to press ahead with the plans to sign the German superstar. He will bring the much needed quality, steel and stability in midfield that United lack at the moment.
Toni Kroos
At 24, Kroos is already one of the most admired central midfielders in the world. He can play as defensive midfielder, in the regista role, as a proper central midfielder and can operate as an attacking midfielder as well. And his price tag? Well, he will be a free agent within next few months!
The German media thinks Kroos is one of the prime targets of Van Gaal. However, the competition will be tough as Real Madrid and Barcelona both are showing equal interest in signing him.
Let me know your thoughts about United’s possible next signings…
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