How the Dutchman will look to improve his squad this summer.
It’s set to be a summer of change at Manchester United as the club look to bounce back from their most disappointing season since the Premier League began back in 1992.
Their seventh place finish in 2013/14 was their worst ever position and coincided with their worst ever points tally since the league’s re-branding and also no European football for the first time since 1981.
This poor form inevitably cost previous manager David Moyes his job and after a brief interim period for Ryan Giggs, Louis van Gaal was named as the next permanent boss at Old Trafford.
The experienced Dutchman is expected to oversee an overhaul at the club this summer and here are five players in and five out for United should van Gaal have a perfect transfer window.
Players out:
Tom Cleverley
There are several key areas that need to be improved in the Red Devils squad, but one of the most prominent is in central midfield where a lack of creativity was a real problem last term.
Cleverley was perhaps the biggest culprit of supplying no purpose in the role and the Englishman has been linked with Everton.
Source: Guardian.
Rio Ferdinand
Having already confirmed that he is leaving the Theatre of Dreams this summer there is no speculation surrounding Ferdinand’s future with the club – although his next destination is still unknown.
The 35-year-old may have been one of the finest defenders in the English top tier over the past decade, but poor displays last campaign showed that it was probably time for change.
Javier Hernandez
This striker may be a popular figure among the players and fans for his work ethic and general optimism, but the 26-year-old is growing increasingly frustrated at a lack of first team opportunities.
Hernandez is now fourth choice at United behind Wayne Rooney, Robin van Persie and Danny Welbeck and van Gaal may appreciate the extra funds the sale of the Mexican would bring.
Source: Mirror.
Nani
The new manager is a big advocate of using wingers and whilst there are a number already with the Red Devils, their potency has been woeful over the past 12 months.
Antonio Valencia has been the only solid representative, whilst Ashley Young and Nani have been poor – although the latter is a more attractive prospect to potential buyers.
Source: Sky Sports.
Nemanja Vidic
Like Ferdinand the club captain has also confirmed his departure from United this summer when his current contract expires, but unlike the former England international Vidic has already signed with a new club.
The Serbian will join Inter Milan as of next season and will be greatly missed in the back four.
Players in:
Cesc Fabregas, FC Barcelona
The future of the former Arsenal captain remains in doubt, as the Gunners have declined to re-sign him from Barca and whilst Chelsea appeared to be the favourites, as yet no move has been made.
Fabregas has not found life back at the Nou Camp as satisfactory as he would have hoped upon his return in 2011 and it’s thought a bid of around £30m would convince the Catalans to sell.
Source: Manchester Evening News.
Nicolas Gaitan, Benfica
The Red Devils have been linked on and off with this Argentina international for some time, who has recently admitted that he would be open to a move away from the Estadio da Luz.
Gaitan is a winger who could replace the likes of Nani or Young in the team and could well be a relatively cheap option.
Source: Mirror.
Yevhen Konoplyanka, Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk
Another winger now and despite having been strongly linked with Tottenham Hotspur in the past and almost joining Liverpool in the January transfer window, the Ukraine international remains with Dnipro.
It’s no secret that Konoplyanka would like to play in England and the 24-year-old would be available for around £12m.
Source: ESPN.
Eliaquim Mangala, FC Porto
Back to the Primeira Liga now and with Ferdinand and Vidic both on their way one of the priorities for recruitment for van Gaal is in central defence, with many names being linked with the club.
However, with the ability to also play at left-back and with less desire to be in the Champions League next term, Mangala could well be the best option.
Source: Guardian.
Luke Shaw, Southampton
Last, but by no means least, is the player who is likely to be the Red Devils’ most expensive purchase of the summer and someone they have had their eye on for some time.
The Saints want £30m for their talented 18-year-old, who the 13-time Premier League champions see as a long-term replacement for Patrice Evra.
Source: Daily Star.
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