“Almost job done for LVG in terms of securing Champions League football, & with that comes the power to attract some of the biggest names in world football,
“Exciting times for United!”
As Phil Neville says, Manchester United are in for a massive summer.
Marouane Fellaini’s late winner at Crystal Palace and Liverpool’s draw at Chelsea means that unless the Reds can claw back six points and 14 goals in two games, Louis van Gaal’s side will be in the Champions League – well, qualifiers at the very least – next season.
And with vast levels of cash swilling around at Old Trafford and the appeal of playing in the biggest club competition, top players may well find United a more enticing prospect than they have done in more recent transfer windows.
With that in mind, here are FIVE world-class players United can realistically chase…
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Edinson Cavani
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With Robin van Persie and Radamel Falcao having failed to impress, Wayne Rooney having shone in a more reserved role and James Wilson being too young, a top class striker is something Van Gaal may look at. Paris Saint-Germain’s Edinson Cavani is a mooted target, and it’s fair to say ‘El Matador’ could offer United a new threat. Pacey, skilful and strong, the Uruguayan is the complete forward when on form, and his frustrations at playing out wide for the Ligue 1 champions may help to facilitate a switch.
Mats Hummels
A side aiming to compete in the Premier League and Champions League cannot truly rely on a backline consisting of the likes of Jonny Evans and Phil Jones. No disrespect to the aforementioned duo, but a player of Mats Hummels’ quality would be a massive upgrade. The German is thought to be target number one for Van Gaal this summer, and it’s easy to see why. Strong and commanding but adept on the ball, the World Cup winner is, arguably, the finest centre-back in Europe right now, and has even looked good in a shocking Dortmund side this season. With Jurgen Klopp leaving in a few months’ time, Hummels could exit, too.
Ilkay Gundogan
Another Dortmund star clearly on United’s radar is Ilkay Gundogan. Premature reports a few weeks ago revealed a deal was done for the playmaker, suggesting that United are looking seriously at him. A good passer of the ball and composed in the middle of the park, the German ace looks to be a good Michael Carrick successor, with the veteran midfielder now edging towards the end of his career.
Thomas Muller
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Weekend reports indicated that Thomas Muller is in United’s transfer sights after a spat with Bayern Munich boss Pep Guardiola. Although not a standout player in any single attribute, the German is one of the best forwards around, combining excellent work ethic with impeccable positioning.
He can also function from wide or as a ‘No. 10’, which would be of use to Van Gaal.
Gareth Bale
As far as marquee buys go, Gareth Bale is probably the best around for United. The Welshman is currently the most expensive player in the history of the game and possesses the sort of talent to win games on his own. His Real Madrid spell has been mixed, but suggestions that he’s “p***** off” at the Bernabeu have opened the door for United to offer him an escape route. He won’t come cheap, though!
