By Tomilayo Alapinni
November 4, 2014
If Louis van Gaal had the time to browse through the net from his Old Trafford office or even in the comfort of his room, he’d be dazed with the barrage of queries and worries of concerned fans about the state of his current squad.
Yes, the manager has tried, it is not his fault that his predecessors left behind mediocre players and the injury worries weren’t his fault either, although few physios have raised concerns about his training tactics but that’s a matter for another day.
He has made a couple of signings and of a truth, we have seen some improvements over last season’s display but the team’s current ability still leaves more to be desired.
The average Manchester United fan could accept the fact that the club will not win any trophies this term but one thing he doesn’t want to hear his that the Red Devils will once again sit out the Champions League next season so perhaps we shouldn’t just heap our worries on poor Louis instead we should try and suggest players that can help rejuvenate the team and then hope that the manager or anyone on his coaching staff gets to see it.
There is a huge problem in the defence so let’s start from there.
Mats Hummels: If there is any player that can naturally fit into Nemanja Vidic’s shoes then it is this versatile German. There is no need to argue or contest his ability except you didn’t watch the World Cup even if you are not a fan of the German Bundesliga. Not only will Hummels provide the much needed leadership to the Red Devils defence, he is also one whom the young defenders like Tyler Blacklet and Paddy McNair can learn from. For about £40m, he could be partnering Marcos Rojo by January.
Aymeric Laporte: This man is just 20-years-old but he has already shown a level of talent that any of Europe’s finest clubs wouldn’t want to miss out on. Currently on Atletico Bilbao’s payroll, it is said that for about £32m, Louis van Gaal could get him. Since joining the Spanish outfit from Basconia in 2012, he has featured 61 times for his employers and if Luke Shaw could command around that figure then why can’t Laporte?
Ezequiel Garay: Have you seen him in action at Zenit? In fact, in the event that the Red Devils fail to land Mats Hummels, then Garry could come in second, obviously ahead of Asston Villa’s Ron Vlaar and Stoke City’s Ryan Shawcross. He recently moved to Russia for about £12m so if Manchester United needs him, a little above that figure might do the trick. He’s old but he could do the job in the short term.
Kevin Strootman: Now, we are in the midfield. Who doesn’t like what Nemanja Matic does for Chelsea or the performances that Yaya Toure produces for the Champions? Manchester United need a combative midfielder, something like Roy Keane’s ability, only then can you enjoy the creativity of Ander Herrera and Angel Di Maria. Strootman has requested for a transfer according to some reports and if van Gaal has got some extra £35m, then it’s welcome Kevin.
Arturo Vidal: If it is not the elusive Vidal. I intentionally left the best for the last. He is the player most linked to Manchester United last summer and no one can fathom why he’s not yet at Old Trafford. With his recent altercation and the several meetings with the Juventus management, the Chilean might be up for grasp and if anyone (van Gaal) has £37m, then why not get him?
