Manchester United fans will, as usual, want to see some brilliant attacking signings for the club this summer.
But it’s additions to the defence which are possibly the most pressing need.
Manchester United’s three main centre backs did a great job against the LA Galaxy but they will have much sterner tests ahead.
There’s a good chance that Louis van Gaal will promote one of Smalling, Jones or Evans to the number 3 jersey before the season begins.
But there’s been an awful lot of speculation about defensive arrivals.
It would be nice for Manchester United to have a commanding centre back of real authority again now that Rio and Nemanja have departed.
And many Manchester United fans will hope that the number three shirt will go to Mats Hummels. The 25 year old German international had a fantastic World Cup to further cement his reputation as one of Europe’s best stoppers.
Dortmund don’t want to sell, certainly at the £17 million price being mooted, so it’s not going to be easy signing.
The Plan B could involve Thomas Vermaelen. He’s also an excellent player – if perhaps past his pomp.
The other main contender for the number three jersey may be Stefan De Vrij. He is a really interesting young player who looks as if he has the world at his feet. Perhaps in the mould of Rio Ferdinand, he loves to bring the ball out of defence and has a wonderful passing range. He rarely humps the ball out of play or up the park.
So while Louis Van Gaal may well give the number three shirt to a current Manchester United player we would have to suggest that the ideal player for this jersey is the Dortmund man.
Let’s see the Hummels in action. Manchester United fans: are we agreed on this one?
