It looks as if it’s a matter of when rather than if Louis van Gaal becomes Manchester United manager.
The encouraging thing from the Manchester United fans perspective is that he loves to play attacking football.
No more cautious displays, the like of which Manchester United fans too often had to suffer under David Moyes.
But who will he realistically be able to bring in this summer? His little black book of connections must be difficult to close, such is the experience of the journeyman maestro.
You might imagine that a man of such status would get a lot of his first choices. But every manager has to compromise at times and not all of van Gaals preferred picks will want to join Manchester United at this time.
So we have been careful not to exaggerate the situation and think that we have offered up a realistic prediction of Manchester United’s likely arrivals this summer.
Marco Reus – Of all the big money arrivals mooted Reus could be one of the players most receptive to a move. He is currently at a mid-sized, albeit brilliant, football club and a transfer to Manchester United might feel like a timely springboard for the player. He’s a marvellous player and one that could make a huge difference to the quality of delivery from Manchester United’s flanks.
Kevin Strootman – Many Manchester United fans want to see Toni Kroos come in but it seems an unrealistic signing right now.
Despite being only one year into his contract at Roma, after signing for £7 million last summer, the Dutchman would be more gettable. He’s been injured once March but van Gaal admires and trusts this midfield dynamo.
He is exactly what Manchester United – a driving force for the midfield.
Arjen Robben – At 30 years of age he’s still a top quality footballer and can offer a quick fix to Manchester United in the wider areas. A world-class talent who would undoubtedly give Manchester United more penetration and sort of quality desperately lacking out wide this season. May fancy a new challenge.
Luke Shaw – van Gaal loves to blood young players and this guy would be a perfect signing for a Manchester United side who need rejuvenation and athleticism in the left back area.
Mats Hummels – With Nemanja Vidic bidding farewell to Old Trafford on Tuesday night Manchester United seriously need a commanding presence at centre back. Phil Jones is an excellent player but perhaps still too inconsistent to lead the defensive line. At 25, and with 28 German caps to his name already, Hummels would be the perfect addition.
Manchester United fans: would you be happy with this transfer business?
