Van Gaal can’t afford to let these five in-demand names go.
Although Manchester United’s busy summer of spending may have to be balanced out with some player sales to keep funds steady at Old Trafford, there is a worrying amount of speculation linking some of the club’s best players with moves away at the moment.
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Louis van Gaal has inherited a difficult enough job as it is after making the move to the club in the summer, and so far the team may be suffering from so many changes happening so quickly, with a great change in playing staff since the difficult blow of Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement.
What the club needs now is stability, and some key players listed below are already being linked with exits shortly after joining the club. Here’s our pick of five that van Gaal absolutely has to keep as he looks to build for the future and take the club forward:
1) Angel Di Maria
After recent comments made about almost joining Paris Saint-Germain in the summer, it has been suggested that United could grant Angel Di Maria a move to the French giants as they look to raise funds to sign either Gareth Bale or Cristiano Ronaldo. While that might seem tempting, it could be argued that the Argentine would be more worth sticking with, as Ronaldo might not have many years left at the top, while Bale looks overpriced and perhaps lacks the subtlety and intelligence, not to mention unselfishness, of Di Maria’s play. A return to Real Madrid has also been mentioned for the 26-year-old, but United should surely keep hold of him and make him the focal point of their side for many years to come.
2) David de Gea
Again with talk of a swap deal involving Gareth Bale, it has been suggested that David de Gea could leave United to make the move to Real Madrid. Whilst it is tempting to track such a world class talent as Bale, top class goalkeepers of de Gea’s ability are hard to come by and it may prove to be that the Red Devils won’t succeed in landing a player this good, whilst getting rid of a young talent who could be number one at Old Trafford for the next decade.
3) Ander Herrera
Despite only signing him this summer, United are also said to be contemplating getting rid of Ander Herrera this January. Although he has been dropped to the bench in recent games, the Spaniard has looked a class act in many of United’s games this season, giving them the composure and quality on the ball that they’ve needed for so long in midfield. He may not be spectacular, but given time, Herrera could become a real pivotal player for the club in the Xabi Alonso mould, and it seems rash to get rid of him at this early stage.
4) Robin van Persie
Recently linked with a surprise move to Fenerbahce, Robin van Persie is another player United absolutely must try to keep at the club. While the Dutchman may have struggled to hit on after an absolutely superb first season at the club, there’s no doubting his amazing talent and overwhelming desire to win after many trophyless years at previous club Arsenal. Now a senior figure at the club, it’s important to have players like van Persie around to help the new-boys and youngsters settle in.
5) Juan Mata
A player who perhaps hasn’t hit top form since his eagerly-anticipated move from Chelsea last January, Juan Mata has been linked with a move to Atletico Madrid this January. Although Louis van Gaal seemingly has some big-name targets lined up as replacements, it’s hard to understand why the club would let an expensive signing and proven quality player at his peak leave for considerably less than they paid for him. Not fancied by Jose Mourinho, it may be that Mata is being under-rated by van Gaal as well, but the Spaniard is a creative talent that can make a big difference and not one you’d want to pass on to another top club.