Manchester United look as if they could be concentrating on signing a combative midfielder right now. Arturo Vidal of Juventus is reportedly on the radar and Manchester United are seemingly focused on making a deal happen.
Another area of immediate concern is, of course, the defence.
Various names have been bandied around and it seems that the Holland national side itself could have several candidates for the Manchester United team when LvG has finished his business at The World Cup.
But one player who isn’t Dutch and continues to be linked with Manchester United is Borussia Dortmund defender Mats Hummels.
Reports on Tuesday suggest that Manchester United are pressing ahead with their interest in signing the player and sounding out his camp about a move.
MANCHESTER UNITED have stepped up their pursuit of £20m Mats Hummels.
United have sounded out the Borussia Dortmund centre-half’s camp to see if he would be interested in a switch to Old Trafford
We have opined several times over the last few months that Manchester United should make a move for in the Eliaquim Mangala of Porto. The player didn’t make the first eleven for France at The World Cup but, at 23 years of age, he looks like the sort of footballer who could have a similar impact on the club as Rio Ferdinand did at Manchester United.
He doesn’t have the footwork of the brilliant ex-England international.
But he’s got unbelievable power, presence and mobility and could have a similar length of career as Ferdinand did at Manchester United.
But he now looks as if he may go to Manchester City and, if that is the case, Mats Hummels is surely the second best option.
Now a stalwart in the German national side, at 25, he really commands the defence with his football brain and physical presence.
It’s a no-brainer for Manchester United to sign this guy because he looks as safe as houses – not as explosive as Mangala but he would offer solidity and consistency to a back line which looked shaky at times last season. He also chips in with a few goals.
Let’s have a look at the towering defender in action. Manchester United fans: would this guy be a perfect solution for the defence?