The end of the summer transfer window promises to be one of the busiest and most exciting periods of business in recent years, with many Premier League big-hitters poised to spend big in an effort to become strong contenders for the title in 2015/2016. Manchester United will certainly be among the top teams looking to splash the cash, as Louis Van Gaal has slowly but surely masterminded their return to the top four as the disappointment of 2013/2014 has finally been put to bed.
Although a superb run of six consecutive victories was ended by league leaders Chelsea in the spring, Manchester United returned to the Champions League this season with games to spare. Van Gaal will undoubtedly make more headlines off the pitch during the last days of the window when he will look to bring in big name players to add more quality in key areas, and increase their chances of enjoying success on every domestic and European front. There are a number of high-profile names that are rumoured to be on Van Gaal’s shopping list who could be next in line to don the Manchester United shirt, with the rumour mill already in overdrive about the last 10 days of the window.
We look at the most likely arrivals.
Cristiano Ronaldo
Manchester United have maintained their unerring ability to attract the very best players in the world to Old Trafford, but there could be no doubt that Cristiano Ronaldo’s return to the club would be the Hollywood signing that every fan dreams of. He has worked meticulously on every aspect of his game to become a sublime athlete that could probably win titles in more than one sport, with Real Madrid the beneficiaries of his other-worldly abilities as a footballer who has scored an incredible 216 goals in just 194 for Los Blancos. Ronaldo’s love for the club would make any move for his services a no-brainer, but it may be a struggle to prize the 2014 Ballon d’Or winner away from the Bernabau.
Mats Hummels
Manchester United’s long-term pursuit of German international centre-back Mats Hummels may finally bear fruit this summer, as the Borussia Dortmund star is strongly rumoured to be considering leaving for pastures new. The 26-year-old would certainly fit the bill in terms of top quality defenders that the club needs, with his commanding presence, ability to read the game and timing in the tackle prime examples of what makes Hummels one of the best in Europe. Franz Beckenbaur has recently stated that it may be the right time for Hummels to join Manchester United to progress even further, and although Dortmund have a strong say in where his future lies, it is looking increasingly likely that he will be wearing the famous red shirt come September.
Sadio Mane
Quick, strong, adventurous and dynamic, this is a rich man’s Victor Moses or Yannick Bolasie. Manchester United have reportedly bid for the lad.
Aymeric Laporte
When are Manchester United going to take the plunge with this football Behemoth?
Thomas Muller
A bid of 85m Euros has been mooted in the German press over the summer and, if these reports are to be believed, Manchester United aren’t going to give this one up without a fight.
We sense that the player himself is tempted to join Manchester United’s exciting project and this may tip the balance in favour of Louis van Gaal.
Best signing of the summer so far?
Memphis Depay
Van Gaal’s extensive knowledge of Dutch football was utilised this summer, with a move for highly-rated 21-year-old Memphis Depay. The PSV winger-cum-striker has excelled in the Eredivise this season, with Depay showcasing his ability as one of the best talents in Europe. The transfer is rumoured to have set the club back £25 million, but Van Gaal proved last summer that he is not afraid to spend big money on players he believes will shape a bright future for Manchester United.
Manchester United fans: who do you most want to sign in this window?
Cathal p Forde
Aug 19, 2015 at 11:52 pm
Of the above lloris Muller Laporte would be nice and maybe Mane for the speed but Ibrahimovic is an arrogant twat and at 33 too old for more than a couple of seasons. We need to build not just for now but for the future as well
Daniel kassa
Aug 20, 2015 at 12:07 am
Comment: Muller , Mane or Marcos Reus and Laporte or John Stones would complete our squad.
John
Aug 20, 2015 at 12:16 am
Laporte would be good, Ibrahimovic could be a good option up front, got a few seasons in him, whilst Wilson develops. If I could pick any player though it would have to be Lewendowski, he could be our 30 goal a season man.