Why Manchester United’s First Transfer Is Key

As the whole world gears up for the World Cup in Brazil, away from the gaze most club teams have already begun their preparations for next season. For Manchester United, this summer is bigger than most, as they look to bounce back from a poor campaign last term. In a positive step for the team, Louis Van Gaal was appointed manager even before the World Cup began, taking care of that important matter. Almost as important however, are the players he looks to bring into the team. In fact, whoever the first player through the door is, will have a considerable impact on how this team moves forward.

It may not be the smartest way to do business at all times, but securing a big name player can really alter the outlook and perception of a club. As a brief example, Arsenal were known as a selling club for years, losing the likes of Samir Nasri and Robin Van Persie to direct competitors. With the signing of superstar Mesut Ozil from Real Madrid last summer, the look and feel of the team changed, culminating in F.A. Cup success this summer. United need to tap into this way of thinking, as buying a big name player would send a message out to their rivals that last year was but a blip, and that the team are back in a big way.

But who should that player be? There are many, and with United being the name and brand that they are, they can attract essentially any player they want to. They desperately need a center back with both Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand having left this summer. They will fill this gap for sure, but this is not the ‘sexy’ signing they need to turn heads. What gets people talking are attack minded players or devastating strikers, the kind of players that excite. People forget Juan Mata is still at the club, and he should remain too, he was played out of position and looked unsettled during his six months at the club. He needs some more time. Looking across Europe though, United could do worse than go after Thomas Muller of Bayern Munich.

At twenty-four, the versatile player’s best days are still ahead of him, despite the fact he is an integral piece for both his current team and country. With so many stars on show at Munich, he is often overlooked, despite the fact he is continuously consistent in all that he does. Add to that the fact that Munich will also boast former Borussia Dortmund hitman Robert Lewandowski next year, and Muller could actually be crowded out of that team, crazy as it sounds. He may fancy a change of scenery, and where better to go than a massive club where he could be seen as somewhat of a savior if all goes well?

Of course there are plenty of others who could be pursued too, but the point is it has to be a big name. Ander Herrera of Athletic Bilbao was one player the club were heavily linked with last year, and although he is a sparky individual who could blossom into a true star, he is not the name fans crave at this point. Bringing him on board this summer would be great, as long as bigger names come in the door with him. Having said that, the fact Van Gaal is in place already means that in theory it should be easier to attract these kind of players. The Dutchman has a reputation already, and in signing on early he has steadied what was a destabilized ship.

As for many fan’s hopes of snaring Cristiano Ronaldo and bringing him back to Manchester, forget it. He’s just won the Champions League with Real Madrid, and while an emotional return may be on the cards one day, this current incarnation of the Madrid team he plays for is the best seen since he arrived there. His teammates Luka Modric or Angel Di Maria, both world class in their own right, would be more attainable targets, with both having the desired big name effect required.

Much was made of United’s poor performances last year, but in Wayne Rooney, Van Persie, Mata and the often forgotten Shinji Kagawa, the basis for free flowing, attacking football already exists. It just was not used properly before. In David De Gea they have a goalkeeper who has shaken off a wobbly start to his career in England and is now one of the best goalkeepers in Europe. Factor in what fans hope will be a big signing, plus a solid center defender, and this team will be right in the mix next year again.

Players like Cesc Fabregas may have slipped through the net, and in a way that’s a worry, United can’t be seen to be rejected by too many big name players before reeling one in. That jersey selling individual needs to come through the Old Trafford gates soon, but when he does, then the statement will have been made and the road to the top will have begun once more.