As it stands, Manchester United’s centre-back options are Phil Jones, Chris Smalling and Jonny Evans. With veterans Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic having left Old Trafford, there is now a very youthful look to the Red Devils’ backline. The arrival of 18-year-old left-back Luke Shaw is only further proof of that.
According to reports from the Daily Mail, Chelsea are looking to sign Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba this summer in a deal worth £60m in transfer fees. The Express are also reporting the Blues’ interest in the France international, and have also mentioned that the west London club are willing to make Pogba the highest earner at the club.
Manchester United’s huge spending spree this summer has officially begun as the Red Devils have added Ander Herrera to their ranks in the past couple of days. Spending close to £30 million on him, they barely confirmed the signing before journalists all over the country picked up on the news that United had all but confirmed Luke Shaw for a fee also around the £30 million bracket. In terms of outgoings, not an awful lot has been reported since Nemanja Vidic’s departure.
Manchester United faced rejection throughout most of last summer until they managed to secure Marouane Fellaini towards the end of the transfer window. They were heavily linked with many players, but were publically humiliated when they were rejected. This could have been down to the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson or because of David Moyes’ inexperience in handling big-money moves. Whatever the reason was, Louis van Gaal is determined to not let that happen this summer.
Some players go through periods of being hot and cold, with Manchester United’s Nani arguably a perfect example. Fans of the Premier League know all about the Portuguese winger after seeing him score incredible goals and put in some match-winning performances. At the same time, however, they often find it easy to forget about him due to him not being played or his indifference on the pitch.
After what can only be described as a horrific campaign for Manchester United last season, there is now fresh optimism after the club introduced Louis van Gaal as the new manager for next season. He is currently managing the Netherlands at the World Cup and will have full attention on his new job after the tournament is over. What will he bring to United?
A lack of quality in the middle of the park has long been a concern at Manchester United, but with the signing of Ander Herrera have they finally found a solution to the midfield crisis at Old Trafford? Herrera has yet to establish himself as a top star in European football, but the 24-year-old’s form over the second half of the season, as well as notable performances against both Real Madrid and Barcelona, put his name firmly on United’s radar.
While every newspaper, website and journalist reports the news of players coming into clubs, very rarely do you get a piece which says where these players will actually fit in. I remember seeing one publication try to put Robin van Persie, Wayne Rooney, Edinson Cavani, Adnan Januzaj, Antonio Valencia and Juan Mata into one side. Sometimes it makes you wonder if it is possible.