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Five transfer targets for United

Over the past two seasons just about anyone and everyone has been linked with a potential move to Old Trafford. In his first summer transfer window Louis Van Gaal spent nearly £150 million on new talent, bringing in six players who have all enjoyed periods of good form this season when not injured.
Although the two big name signings of Radamel Falcao and Angel Di Maria have failed to live up to expectations, Van Gaal has got the most out of his less hyped signings, like Daley Blind and Ander Herrera and Marcos Rojo.

Add to that the fact he has resurrected the likes of Ashley Young, Marouane Fellaini and, most recently Juan Mata, to the point where a squad without them would potentially cause riots and you get an indication of what the Dutchman has achieved so far.
With many of Van Gaal’s men, including his oft criticised defenders, experiencing good form, one would think that the outlandish transfer rumours would die down somewhat but clearly they have not.
Cristiano Ronaldo is still rumoured to leave Madrid, along with the likes of Gareth Bale, while Kevin Strootman (who hasn’t played three full matches in a row in what seems like an eternity) is still on United’s radar, while we have recently being linked with the glass man that is Theo Walcott and Dani Alves, a 32-year-old whose best days are surely behind him.
Who United decide to spend on this summer and who they do not is the equivalent of drawing names out of a hat. We all know anything can happen during the summer months, but here are five players United could do with this summer.

Nathaniel Clyne

Nathaniel Clyne has been linked to a summer move to Old Trafford for some time now. With Antonio Valencia’s defensive consistency more often than not in question, Van Gaal will look to sign an out and out right-back who is a proven performer and is a real threat in the attacking third.
Clyne fits this bill perfectly and could be available for a smaller fee than another right-back than Porto’s Danilo, who has also been heavily linked with United but, crucially, is also on Real Madrid’s radar.
Swansea City v Southampton - Premier League
Clyne’s performances at the start of the season were crucial to Southampton flying start and he’s been a pivotal figure as the Saints have remained in the hunt for a Champions League spot. His speed and physical presence, coupled with his attacking instinct have made him one of the best right-back in the league this season.
Clyne turns 24 in two weeks and a potential back line including him and a healthy Luke Shaw would leave United set at both positions for a decade.

Saido Berahino

Saido Berahino has been just about the only bright spot for West Brom’s season so far. With 18 in all competitions, the 21-year-old has really come into his own this year, scoring an exceptionally well taken chance against United earlier this season.
With Robin Van Persie getting older and Falcao’s future at Old Trafford uncertain, bringing in the young Englishman to work alongside Wayne Rooney would be a brilliant move.
Furthermore, Van Gaal’s ability for nurturing young players could get the best out the West Brom man and even develop a healthy rivalry between him and James Wilson, which could help both players.
In recent weeks, extension talks with West Brom have taken a turn for the worse, as Berahino seems very much set on making a move this summer.
With a price tag of around £20m and a good record in the Premier League, he’d be a more sensible option than Palermo’s Paulo Dybala, another striker linked with United but who could cost twice as much.

Mats Hummels

Nobody could have predicted the type of season Borussia are having in the Bundesliga, but their shortcomings could mean Mats Hummels might be open to a move away from Germany this summer.
Aktionsfoto-Mannschaftsbereich-Mats-Hummels_bvbnachrichtenbild_regular
Hummels would undoubtedly strengthen United’s defensive options, adding experience and leadership to a young, sometimes talented but often mistake-prone group. Playing alongside a World Cup winner such as Hummels could pay dividends for Phil Jones, Chris Smalling, Marcos Rojo, and Jonny Evans (although the latter is a disaster waiting to happen every time he is on the pitch).
Hummels has been on United’s radar for almost two years and Van Gaal must invest on a world class centre-back this summer. The question is, how much are United willing to spend?

Memphis Depay

This one may be a bit questionable if you prefer to entertain the thought of United making a move for Gareth Bale, but hear me out.
The 21-year-old Dutch international is Eredivisie’s top scorer with 17 goals this season, despite playing mostly as a left winger.
Depay might still be a raw diamond but there is no mistaking the massive amount of talent he has and has already attracted comparisons to a certain Portuguese, who was rather successful at Old Trafford.
PSV Eindhoven v Go Ahead Eagles - Eredivisie
The Dutchman would address United’s lack of pace up-front and would definitely have the chance to develop alongside more experienced players, not to mention that Van Gaal knows him very well having managed him at international level.
Of course, Bale would be a much more glamorous option, but Depay, whose price tag stands at €25m, would cost a fraction of what Real Madrid would demand for the Welshman

Paul Pogba

Paul Pogba may be the very best box to box midfielder in all of football at the moment. He is the definition of a total footballer. His departure in 2012 may have been one of the worst mistakes ever made in world football, BUT United will have the chance to correct this horrendous mistake this summer if they decide to pay the massive transfer fee the Frenchman will no doubt fetch.
Soccer - UEFA Champions League - Quarter Final - Second Leg - Juventus v Bayern Munich - Juventus Stadium
If United were to only get Pogba this summer and nobody else, it would still be looked at as a success, as the 22-year-old is that good. His arrival would bring a physical presence in midfield which often United sorely lack, the ability to score goals at will and set up teammates with impressive regularity. He is all of United’s midfielders rolled into one and is absolutely worth the money.
United, so we are told, are lining up to spend big again this summer. Here’s to hoping they spend wisely and bring in some stellar talents.
Jason Travaglini (@trav_elocity)

 

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