Manchester United are reportedly back in the race to sign Real Madrid and Germany midfielder Toni Kroos this summer.
The Red Devils were reportedly close to signing the midfield general in 2014 when David Moyes was still in charge, however, the deal was called off following Louis van Gaal’s arrival in the summer of 2014.
In turn, Kroos moved on to Real Madrid and the latest suggestions that United will try again to sign him don’t reflect well on the current United boss, as reported by The Mirror.
As noted by the report, Jose Mourinho has been widely tipped to replace the Dutchman at the end of the season, especially if he fails to finish in the top four in the Premier League and win silverware in the form of the FA Cup.
Despite having one year remaining on his current deal, Van Gaal has faced significant criticism and scrutiny from supporters and ex-players alike as United have failed to convince for the majority of the season in terms of their performances and consistency in gaining positive results.
For the club to be linked with a player that Van Gaal dismissed and who seemingly doesn’t fit into the Dutch tactician’s plans and style is arguably yet another huge hint that the club are moving in a different direction.
Such a move would also be seen as an example of the club undermining the 64-year-old, and given all the talk of him being replaced, it isn’t the most positive of reports from Van Gaal’s perspective.
Whether or not the former Ajax and Barcelona boss has merely had a change of heart and would back the move is unclear at this stage, but the signs are pointing in one direction and that path doesn’t seem to involve Van Gaal.