With the transfer market well under way, The Reds have already missed out on some lucrative signings: Jackson Martinez’s switch to Atletico Madrid and Ikay Gundogan’s apparent commitment to Borussia Dortmund, to name but a couple. Fear not, it is not United’s style to immediately break out the cheque book, but to assess their options with shrewd caution, ensuring that their targets fit the United mould. Here, we attempt to adopt the same technique in spotting talent and provide a list of five credible players that van Gaal should consider.
Michel Vorm
A strange suggestion, granted, but Vorm would fill the gap left by De Gea, were he to leave for the Santiago Bernabeu. The Dutchman’s shot-stopping skills are akin to De Gea’s, filling such a void. His dominance in the box and dictatorial organisation of the defence would ensure a solid armour. Yet, van Gaal is unlikely to consider this option as he decided against Vorm being the No.1 for the Dutch national team, when in charge. Unfortunately, Van Gaal may be, to employ a proverb, missing a trick; Vorm, currently No.2 at Spurs, would make a cheap, canny signing.
Matteo Darmian
It appears as though the fastidious Brazilian Rafael is set to leave the United ranks; despite showing promising performances, Rafael has been plagued by injuries and was unable to cement his place under Van Gaal, and Moyes the year before. Antonio Valencia filled the hole at right-back last term, but should only be a temporary replacement.
The Torino man has be subject of much speculation recently, something that his consistent performances have fully merited. The 25 year-old Italian International made 47 appearances for Torino last term, scoring five goals in the process; the extensive number of appearances made for the Italian club is testament to his aforesaid consistency. Darmian would bring an injection of pace, serving him well going forward; alongside this, his robust strength coupled the Italian’s acute crossing boasts an impressive list of attributes, complementing United’s attacking potency. Defensively, he is praised for unceasing concentration and an ability to snuff out danger. Indeed, Darmian would be an intelligent addition to a weak, insecure and fragile United defence.
Nicolas Otamendi
Anyone in touch with the footballing world will know of the rumours that link Sergio Ramos with United; this deal is only going to happen, in the opinion of this writer, were De Gea to be sold to Madrid. Thus, The Reds need to look at other, viable options.
Van Gaal experimented with the likes of Evans, Jones and Smalling, throughout the 2014/2015 season, only to realise that they cannot play together: each player is a liability. A mature, experienced defender needs to be brought in to aid the development of the trio and Valencia’s Otamendi fulfils this requirement. At 27, the Argentinian has built up a wealth of experience that would surely benefit the United back-four. Otamendi cuts a robust figure; his aerial quality, firm tackling and abilities in reading the game are all traits that would provide an added layer of protection in front of the United goal. Otamendi could forge a formidable partnership with any of the existing United central-defenders, given time, and would be a sagacious signing.
Luka Modric
Bold, yes, but if United want to climb the football food chain once more, they need to regain some of that Ferguson hubris. Attempting to sign Modric is a start. There’s no doubting Modric’s talent; his insightful passing and proclivity to initiate defence from attack are qualities that any top club crave. Unfortunately, Michael Carrick appears to be reaching the end of his Old Trafford career: I foresee a sad demise to his United life, blighted with injury. Thus, someone with Carrick’s quality and calibre needs to be brought in: the Croatian is the perfect candidate. United could take advantage of Madrid’s desire to land De Gea’s signature and prize Modric from the Bernabue. However unlikely, Modric’s signature would act as a clear signal of intent and reek of the arrogance necessary to acquire silverware.
Harry Kane
With the departures of Henriquez and Falcao, and imminent exits of Javier Hernandez and Robin Van Persie, van Gaal will be left with only Rooney and youngster James Wilson. Javier Hernandez should not be sold: he is proven in the Premier League. His goal-scoring instinct is invaluable and would provide United with an added degree of fire-power. However, it seems that Van Gaal deems Chicarito a bit-part player at best.
Further to this, Van Gaal’s persistence in playing Rooney in the fashionable ‘no.10’ role and reluctance to play him as an out-and-out striker presents further complications; Van Gaal will have no choice but to purchase a striker if he does relinquish the services of Hernandez and Van Persie.
Kane is the only credible alternative: players such as Cavani or Higuain would not fit in with the United style of play. Kane, alongside his aptitude for slotting the ball into the back-of-the-net, has great technical ability, reflecting van Gaal’s desire to build a technically gifted squad. Even though the Englishman has recently committed to a five-year deal, Tottenham are a club that let their players go for the right price. Chairman Daniel Levy is an avaricious and acute businessman, and will be more than happy to initiate an auction for Kane: Ed Woodward has a humbling supply of finances available and shouldn’t hesitate to flex United’s monetary muscle.
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