Key Transfers Louis Van Gaal Must Set Eyes On

Taken from Getty Images

Assuming that Louis Van Gaal will be appointed as the next manager for Manchester United, it’s likely that he will look to upgrade the wings to compliment his offensive style of football. With Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic and Patrice Evra leaving Old Trafford this season, there is a lot of work to be done on the defensive end as well. Here are several names who are capable of filling in major holes in Manchester United’s lineup.

Mats Hummels (Borussia Dortmund): There is no player who exemplified the word “Stability” better than Nemanja Vidic. Mats Hummels is no Vidic, but he can provide stability in the backline for years to come. At age 25 years old with a long career ahead of him and can improve during his stay at Manchester United. Hummels played a crucial role in Jurgen Klopp’s side, helping the club win two Bundesliga titles in the 2010-2011 and the 2011-2012 season along with finishing runners-up at the UEFA Champions League. Hummels is known for his ability to read the game well and has a propensity of making well-timed tackles. He also boasts solid pace for his height and is able to contribute on the offensive end, winning him comparisons to the great Franz Beckenbauer. Hummels will answer the biggest need on the defensive end.

Toni Kroos (Bayern Munich)

: Kroos has been seeing less playing time for Bayern Munich as of late and would welcome a move to Old Trafford. Manchester United struggled all season with their midfield play, lacking pace and creativity to create open chances at goal. Toni Kroos isn’t the solution, but his play will certainly help the Red Devils move the ball up the middle.

Luke Shaw (Southampton): Manchester United reportedly bid 27 million pounds for the 18-year-old, but Southampton has rejected the offer. Still, the Red Devils are still holding out hopes that Shaw will come to Old Trafford since he is capable of filling the void Patrice Evra will leave behind. As seen from his standout performance in the Premier League last season, Shaw loves to attack and overlap from the left side of the pitch. He is capable of becoming one of the best left-backs in the league, let alone the world, if he improves each passing year and develops better discipline and read for the game. If he joins Manchester United, he’ll be an important piece for the team for the next decade.

Patrick Van Aanholt (Vitesse): Louis Van Gaal is bound to take one of the young players from his Netherlands squad and bring them to Old Trafford. With Gregory van der Wiel out of the tournament with injury, Aanholt is given the opportunity to shine at the left-back position. If he performs well and Man United can’t get their hands on Luke Shaw, this guy might be the starting left-back for the next three to five years.

Marco Reus (Borussia Dortmund): The 25-year-old proved to be a capable scorer and wing player without the help of Mario Gotze and Ilkay Gundogan this season. Scoring 23 goals and 23 assists in all competition with Borussia Dortmund this season, Reus is primed to become one of the most dynamic wingers and scorers in the world. He’s fast, has a lethal strike, possess good touch of the ball, and knows how to create for others. His performances has drawn comparisons to Christiano Ronaldo and once he joins Manchester United, he will drastically improve United’s poor wing play.

William Carvalho (Sporting Lisbon): In light of Michael Carrick and Maroune Fellaini’s poor season, Manchester United should take William Carvalho in consideration at the transfer window. The 22-year-old doesn’t sound like a splash signing, but he is a good investment for the club that’s in need of a holding midfielder who can screen the defense, break up attacks, and find teammates with a long pass. Carvalho is capable of meeting those needs.