da realsbet： Manchester United spent an incredible £150million this summer, marking the most lucrative transfer window in the club’s long history.
da dobrowin： Of course, those funds were seen as vital at Old Trafford, lifting the Carrington club back towards the Premier League title race and helping new manager Louis van Gaal implement his ideals on the first team.
But it appears the Dutchman doesn’t want to stop there – notable holes in the United squad still exist and rumours are already circulating of an equally prolific January window, potentially coming at the expense of Juan Mata.
So with that in mind, here’s the FIVE signings to complete LVG’s revolution at Old Trafford.
[ffc-gallery]CLICK ON THE UNITED BOSS TO REVEAL
[/ffc-gallery]
KEVIN STROOTMAN
It already appears that Manchester United’s first port of call in the January window will be to strike-up a deal for Roma midfielder Kevin Strootman:
The Netherlands international was firmly on Louis van Gaal’s radar this summer but an ACL injury, which also saw him miss the World Cup, prevented a move.
The 24 year-old has emerged as one of Serie A’s most dominant forces since joining Giallorossi from PSV last summer, claiming five goals and six assists in 25 league outings. This wonder-strike in the Coppa Italia also stood out:
//www.youtube.com/embed/Q0kMYHuIKSk?autoplay=1&loop=1&playlist= Q0kMYHuIKSk
But the Oranje international’s utility to the Red Devils in a box-to-box capacity is better represented by the below statistics:
Often dubbed ‘The Dutch Roy Keane’ for his tough-tackling style, Strootman has often been linked with an Old Trafford switch, and a firm favourite of LVG through the Oranje set-up, joining the Red Devils seems the next logical step in his career.
The midfielder is allegedly keen on a winter move:
But reported interest from PSG could become an issue:
ARTURO VIDAL
According to the British press, Manchester United are also planning to rekindle their interest in Arturo Vidal, following a rather arduous and futile transfer saga throughout the summer window:
The Chile international has emerged as arguably the world’s most compete midfielder since moving to Juventus in 2011 through his ability to contribute in both attack and defence. Here’s a look at his stats from last season:
That regular supply of goals from the middle of the park will be vital for United – Tom Cleverley, Marouane Fellaini, Michael Carrick and Darren Fletcher netted just twice collectively last season but no midfielder has bettered Vidal’s 28 goals in Serie A over the last three years. Here’s a look at the 26 year-old in action:
//www.youtube.com/embed/r8iKLIacxxw?rel=0
Perhaps most importantly, Vidal’s renowned reputation has come from performances at the heart of Juve’s 3-5-2 formation, a system he also played in for Chile at the World Cup and similar to Louis van Gaal’s 3-4-1-2.
United allegedly lost out on the midfielder because they didn’t leave the Serie A champions enough time to find a replacement, with their final bid coming on the Friday evening before deadline day. That could well be the determining factor in January too, suggesting the Red Devils may have to wait until next summer.
Cristiano Ronaldo
Could it conceivably happen in January, or are we all living in cuckoo land?
World-class forward and United icon Cristiano Ronaldo revealed in an interview earlier this week that he plans to return to Old Trafford before the end of his career.
Unsurprisingly, this has lead to a plethora of speculation, with rumours that super-agent Jorge Mendez is already working on a deal:
It goes without saying that the Real Madrid star, who has claimed 255 goals in 250 appearances for the Spanish side since leaving the Red Devils in 2009, would be a sensational addition to the United squad.
Louis van Gaal could certainly do with another winger, and at this point, it’s undisputed that the 2013 Ballon d’Or winner is one of the two leading entities in world football.
Just in case you needed further evidence, here’s Ronaldo’s twenty best ever goals:
//www.youtube.com/embed/–GlFGOT9Cc?rel=0
But the Independent claim Real Madrid are about to publicly issue a hands-off warning, whilst Chelsea have also emerged as potential suitors:
MARCO REUS
Another top class winger-forward that finds himself in Manchester United’s January transfer plans is Borussia Dortmund star Marco Reus:
The Germany international unfortunately missed the World Cup through injury, but he was in absolutely lethal form last season, as detailed below, earning him the Bundesliga’s Player of the Year award:
The 25 year-old can adopt the roles of scorer or creator, capable of playing anywhere across the front or as a No.10. But his immense technical qualities are underpinned by his road-runner pace, which would most likely be utilised out wide at United – here’s a look at Reus in action:
//www.youtube.com/embed/rlYrndbblKk?rel=0
Furthermore, Dortmund will find themselves in a rather troubling situation this January. It was revealed last month that Reus has a £20million release clause and although it’s not set to come into effect until the summer, unless the Black-Yellows can get their star attacker to agree new terms, it will be impossible to turn down sizeable offers come the winter window.
But he’s also on the radars of Arsenal and Manchester City:
Whilst Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo claims Reus already turned down a move to Manchester United in the summer window.
NEVEN SUBOTIC
Another Borussia Dortmund star United should be strongly considering as a January target is defender Neven Subotic.
The Red Devils appear to have failed in their pursuit of World Cup winner Mats Hummels, but they may have better luck with his Serbian centre-back partner.
A dependable, more passive centre-back than Hummels, the 25 year-old often doesn’t get the credit he deserves. No doubt however, Subotic is one of Europe’s top defenders – just take a look at him in action last term:
//www.youtube.com/embed/YV1uB16MEgQ?rel=0
Subotic’s pace, tackling ability and composure in possession particularly stands out. And despite injuries last season, the 6 foot 4 defender still produced consistent form, as detailed below:
Those characteristics would put him in good stead as part of Manchester United’s three-man defence, which has lacked leadership, organisation and direction throughout the start of the season.
And that sideline spell could give the Red Devils a way in. Greek international Sokratis excelled in Subotic’s absence last season and Jurgen Klopp now has three top quality centre-backs on the books.
He’s unwilling to part with his captain in Hummels but could be more reasonable when it comes to the 36-cap Serbian international. A fee around the £20million mark would be a realistic estimate.