As usual, some areas of the media have exaggerated the words of Louis van Gaal during his press conference to unveil Angel di Maria as a Manchester United player. He said:
“I have also had a conversation with players and said to them after lunchtime maybe we shall have another group [of players who can leave], because players will go and new players will come in.”
Some reckon that this means a raft of new signings. We think that it will be more like two. The number of departures will be far more numerous. here’s the latest:
LEAVERS
Javier Hernandez– it looks highly likely that Chicharito will leave in a permanent deal to either Juventus or Valencia.
Bids of between £12 and £15 million have been made for the player and Manchester United fans will hope that, if he does go to Juventus, he can be used as a bargaining tool to bring Arturo Vidal into the club.
Danny Welbeck – While many would be surprised if both Hernandez and Welbeck left the club this summer, James Wilson has been given a senior squad number and there have been suggestions that Adnan Januzaj will be played up top at times. With a maximum of 42 games left to play Rooney, RvP, Januzaj and Wilson may be deemed sufficient. Di Maria can also play up top in emergency. But if both leave then it may also point to the use of a 4-3-3 this season with just one up top. Welbeck could go to Tottenham on loan.
Tom Cleverley – Manchester United have reportedly accepted an £8m bid for the player from Aston Villa and it looks like good business for Manchester United. Valencia may also be keen.
Shinji Kagawa – A player who many Manchester United fans will be sorry to see the back of. He’s a really talented player but never seemed to find a specific role within the team. He’s looking highly likely to go back to Borussia Dortmund.
Wilfired Zaha – Gone to Palace on loan. Another who United may struggle to get a decent fee for right now.
Ashley Young – His versatility may give him a stay of execution but Manchester United fans will want him gone before too long. The Guardian today reports that United will consider serious offers for the player in this window.
Marouane Fellaini – Injury should mean he stays. Gutted.
Anderson – May even struggle to get an internship at McDonalds on form. Perhaps he will be shipped out on loan to Portugal.
ARRIVALS
Arturo Vidal – this one has gone a bit quiet but you can’t imagine Manchester United starting September without a new central midfielder. This would be the first choice providing Vidal’s fit.
But he recently post a pro-Juventus tweet which suggests he may stay.
William Carvalho – looks like the second choice if the Vidal deal doesn’t come off. We would be inclined to buy both of them as Manchester United desperately need more quality and steel in the centre of the park. It looks like a doable deal.
Daley Blind – another who would be an excellent addition to the Manchester United squad – not just because of his quality but also his versatility.
Nigel De Jong – A solid if slightly underwhelming potential addition.
Another defender? Expect a couple more new names to be thrown up over the next few days as Louis van Gaal uses his extensive contact list to possibly bring in a name that hasn’t yet been mentioned. It’s going to be a hectic 72 hours or so at Manchester United.
