Manchester United haven’t lost a game in their last 10 Premier League fixtures. Although this is a very good record, the Red Devils have drawn against the likes of Aston Villa, Tottenham Hostpur and most recently Stoke City in that run. Louis Van Gaal will know better than anyone that these draws must be turned into victories if Manchester United are going to mount a serious title challenge.
Further additions to the squad in January will come as no real surprise but it is in the summer where Manchester United are expected to spend big once again. They still have a number of defensive frailties in the squad and the Dutch manager will want to address these issues as soon as he can.
There is also a lack of real pace in the side when Angel Di Maria is absent so there is room for improvement in that particular area as well.
Here are five Manchester United signings that can take them to the next level…
Mats Hummels
Speculation surrounding the World Cup winner’s future at Borussia Dortmund has been in all of the papers since Manchester United and Arsenal were reported to have an interest in the 26-year-old. There is no doubting his talent as he proved at the World Cup that he is a world class centre-back.
He will offer defensive solidarity in the heart of the United back four, his aerial strength and physicality will also make him an ideal fit for the Premier League. Although Hummels started his career at Bayern Munich, he has become a favourite for German side Borussia Dortmund. The German club are currently experiencing a torrid time in the Bundesliga, languishing in 17th place. If there is a time for Hummels to move away from the German club, it could be very soon. If Manchester United do capture Hummels, the club will have eventually sealed a deal to replace the brilliant Nemanja Vidic.
Seamus Coleman
There is no doubt that Seamus Coleman has been one of the most impressive full-backs in the Premier League in recent seasons. His pace, link-up play and occasional goal threat, alongside strong defensive capabilities, mean that he is hot property and his signature could be available for around £20million.
With Shaw at left-back, the addition of Coleman on the other flank would really suit the wing-back formation that Louis Van Gaal is trying to implement at Old Trafford. Coleman will also add a lot of pace in the side and his speed is needed for recovery when he could be playing in a wing-back role. Although the Irishman may not be a galactico-style capture, he would improve the United defence immediately and fit into the manager’s system with no real issues.
Paul Pogba
Since he controversially left Manchester United in 2012, Paul Pogba has developed into a world-class midfielder playing alongside the like of Andrea Pirlo and Arturo Vidal for Juventus. Although Sir Alex Ferguson was not a huge fan of the young Frenchman, there is no doubting the 21-year-old’s capability to produce the spectacular.
Pogba may feel that he has unfinished business at Old Trafford and proving a club legend wrong could be enough to tempt his ego away from Turin. A huge bid of around £70million could be enough to tempt Juventus into selling their midfielder and Manchester United would have gained one of the hottest prospects in world football by doing so.
His excellent passing, dribbling and shooting skills will provide a fresh impetus in the heart of the United midfield. If Pogba is available, Manchester United will need to do all they can to sign a player who has already appeared represented the Red Devils three times at senior level.
Pepe
The Portuguese’s contract is running out at the Bernabeu and although Real Madrid will be desperate to keep the 31-year-old centre back, he would prove a shrewd signing if Manchester United manage to capture the defender. He has been at the top of his game for a number of years and his solid approach and excellent positioning means he could be a massive improvement compared Man United’s current defensive quota.
If Pepe could be persuaded to join Van Gaal’s revolution at Old Trafford, a defender of that calibre will improve United’s title hopes no end. As well as being solid in the tackle, Pepe is an excellent aerial threat and can often play the ball out from defence, something Rio Ferdinand did brilliantly in his time at Old Trafford. It may be difficult to prise Pepe away from the best club side in European football at the moment. However, the prospect of a new challenge and a bumper wage packet under Van Gaal may prove very tempting for the centre-back.
Cristiano Ronaldo
The galactico of all potential galacticos. The world class brilliance of Cristiano Ronaldo would be one hell of a signing if he returned to Old Trafford. There is no doubt the 29-year-old will transform an already impressive Manchester United attacking line. However, if there is any possibility of capturing the former United great, Van Gaal will do all he can to get his man.
There have been rumours that Ronaldo’s relationship with Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has deteriorated over the years. If this is the case, a return to Premier League football with a club like Manchester United could be a good move for Ronaldo. He’ll add everything to the Manchester United attack as his recent form for Real Madrid has shown that the Portugese magician shows no signs of slowing down.
A fantastic move for Manchester United and the Premier League, Ronaldo’s capture would give Van Gaal all he needs in attack to lead a title charge next season.