The Stretford Stand
The Red Devils saw an end to the club’s era of Sir Alex Ferguson when the legend manager announced his retirement at the end of the 2012-13 season after 26 years. The club’s administration & board in consultation with Ferguson & Sir Bobby Charlton had then decided to appoint David Moyes as their next man in charge. There were a lot of expectation from the ‘Chosen One’ but the latter could do no good for the team as they had a disastrous season under the new man. The defending champions ended the Premier League season at seventh position. Some of the outraged fans had decided to fly a plane above Old Trafford, the Red Devils’ fortress having a banner saying – Wrong One, Moyes out.
United later announced that Louis van Gaal will take over the club after he finishes his World Cup duty with the Netherlands. The Dutchman had invested over £150 million and recruited six new players in the squad. His motions were clear, build a new squad of experience and youth talents. The most expensive player among the sextuplet was Angel Di Maria – bought on British record signing amount. His Argentine counterpart Marcos Rojo had arrived too after being a World Cup finalist. The other players were Luke Shaw, Daley Blind, Ander Herrera and on loan star striker Radamel Falcao. United were set to flourish with these set of new players but not all could shine. Rather the signings made by former boss Moyes had played a big role in getting United back to Champions League.
Van Gaal had aimed for something big. The Premier League title of course was the first priority but other domestic cups and possibly even the Champions League is in sight. Alongside the boss, even players wanted to achieve something big. Perhaps they all had a similar thinking giving the fans something to cheer about. Therefore to achieve these things the team definitely needs to get in some new players, and that’s what the manager and the club’s Chief Executive have to be busy with during the off season summer transfer period. They secured their first target Memphis Depay comfortably before the season even ended. The Dutchman had impressed van Gaal during his stint at the World Cup and has a great potential. He was also a target for rivals Liverpool but United was the club chosen by Depay as he would get some familiar faces along with him. But who are five other targets Manchester United could be after?
Gareth Bale.
The Welsh international had moved to the Spanish giants Real Madrid for a world deal worth €100m from North London club Tottenham Hotspur in the summer of 2013. His first season in La Liga was exceptional, with Madrid lifting the Copa del Rey and the Champions League, making the scoreline in the finals of both the competitions. But things have not been the same in the 2014-15 season. He started the league games in a nice manner but was later hit by injuries which kept him out of action for a few games. Even after coming back the player could not find his touch and went goalless in the upcoming games. His form was slowly dipping and the fans had started to boo him on certain occasions. There was also a speculation of him having spats with Galactico’s hero Cristiano Ronaldo. This added fuel to the controversy of his uncertainty at the club. Anyhow, many think United could sign in exchange of goalkeeper David de Gea. The PFA Team of the Year shot stopper was in great form this season and has been a prime target for the Madrid club to replace Iker Casillas. Even if de Gea was not to be exchanged, the English were reportedly interested in Bale last season too. Reports suggest that Bale is unhappy at Real and would possibly leave with a Premier League on his mind.
Ilkay Gundogan.
The Borussia Dortmund and Germany stalwart was also wanted by the Old Trafford club during last summer, and this year’s January window too. He is been targeted as a holding centre midfielder replacement for ageing player Michael Carrick. Many have rated him as a top player and could indeed fit nicely in the kind of football van Gaal wants to implement. The player was offered a contract renewal by Dortmund, which he declined following the club’s poor run in the league. Dortmund, once in the relegation zone of the Bundesliga this season, are still lucky to play Europa League next season. Also, the departure of the club’s manager Jurgen Klopp and key players leaving every year making the team weak to compete in big competitions added to the reasons of him wanting to quit. Gundogan has been a necessary figure for Dortmund and was the only goal scorer for the club in the 2013 Champions League finals against league rivals Bayern Munich at Wembley. Despite Bayern Munich lifting the trophy, Dortmund gained a lot of appreciation from the people which gave them a respectable position in the world of football. Speaking of the current situation of Manchester United, a player of his quality and position is required the most. With no other club to have approached him, United look to be the club most likely to sign him.
Nathaniel Clyne.
The young right back was amazing in the Premier League this season and was in the PFA Team of the Year. Playing for Southampton, he has flourished under the management of both Mauricio Pochettino and Ronald Koeman, and has been linked with United as to be a perfect needed right-back. The Red Devils do have Antonio Valencia and Rafael, but need a player who’s consistent in his form unlike their current recruits. Furthermore, Clyne could be an ideal player to be the first choice right back in the England national team – which he can gain with a place in the most followed club in the world. They were also linked with Brazilian star Dani Alves, but a young player would be a much better option.
Harry Kane.
The young forward has been a top sensation in the 2014-15 season with having 19 goals to his name. At the age of 21, his goal scoring ability has been phenomenal which made him a key contender to the PFA Player of the Year while winning the Young Player of the Year award. At a time, it looked like he would pip the likes of Diego Costa and Sergio Aguero to win the Premier League golden boot. He did stay on top for a time after scoring two goals in the 5-3 win over Chelsea, and not included in the squad by former managers Andre Villas-Boas and Tim Sherwood, he was the best finisher in the Tottenham camp this year under new boss Mauricio Pochettino. With star loanee Radamel Falcao making his way back to Monaco after a failed season at United, and Van Persie’s future also undecided, Kane should be a good partner alongside skipper Wayne Rooney. While he has confirmed his future remains at White Hart Lane for now, a good wealthy offer might be enough to tempt him to accept United’s deal.
Nicolas Otamendi
The 27-year-old Argentine defender has been in sight for United after top target Mats Hummels denied to leave Dortmund and gave a huge blow to the Red Devils’ transfer plan. Otamendi, who currently plays for Spanish club Valencia wants out according to his agent – and would cost around a staggering £36 million, which may seem too much. Although he’s not who United wanted as a prime target, a strong defence is very much needed if they are to challenge for titles next season.
There may be more players in the wishlist of Louis Van Gaal,these could possibly be their 5 prime targets.
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