There are still seven days until the opening of the transfer window and yet United have been linked with almost any known footballer. From Begovic and Krychowiak to Kane, Sterling and Bale and we are not even in July.
In this article I will analyse the rumours and how likely each player is to sign for United.
Goalkeeper
David De Gea has been one of the main reasons that we made in the Champions League , but now looks certain to leave with return to Madrid almost inevitable. The lure of playing for Real Madrid in Spain, near his parents and girlfriend and almost guaranteed starting spot for Spain seems too much to resist for the young Latino. This is definitely disappointing as we groomed him to become a world class goalkeeper, but I do understand his reasons and for United – The bus always keeps going, no matter the players.
Many have been speculated for his replacement, but I do think that Valdes will be given a good run in pre-season, before LVG deciding on whether we need a new goalkeeper. The alternatives, although looking convincing – Cech looks to be signing for Arsenal and I do not see Lloris being sold unless he pushes for a move. Younger options such as Jan Oblak and Bernd Leno do not seem likely at this point.
Predictions: DDG out ; Lloris in (best case scenario)
Defence:
Widespread opinion is that we need a solid experienced central defender to partner Smalling. Hummels ruled himself out early in the summer, saying he will be staying at Dortmund. Links with Varane look unrealistic. The only real options at the moment seem Ramos and Otamendi. Sergio would be dream signing in an eventual swap deal would Real, as he is one of the best central defenders in the world and LVG would be able to control his short-temper. Otamendi looks to be the back-up option if talks for Ramos break down. He had a solid season with Valencia in Spain and has expressed his desire to play for us, but could be seen as a gamble, the same way Rojo was. Another options seems to be Jerome Boateng , but I cannot see Bayern parting ways with him.
Regarding other areas I think we are set and any signings are highly unlikely. The position of right back could be seen as an area for improvement, but the quality of players on offer would not represent big improvement over the current crop. Clyne seems to have his sights on Liverpool or staying with Southampton, while reports for Carvajal seem far-fetched. Daniel Alves would have been the perfect option, but decided to stay with Barcelona.
In my opinion one amongst Blackett and McNair should be send on loan , along with Tom Thorpe, with the remaining one acting as a cover. Jonny Evans is very likely to leave, along with Rafael if we are to sign a right back.
Predictions: Evans out; McNair (loan); Ramos in
Midfield:
With Depay already brought in, LVG will search for a midfield general to partner/ cover for Carrick. Schweinsteiger has emerged as top option with relatively low price tag and abundance of experience.
In my mind this is the perfect signing as he can control the tempo and would not demand to start every week due to his age. The German is a very versatile player who can play at any position in midfield and with LVG by his side I can see him adjusting to the life in the Premier League very quickly.
Schneiderlin is seen as the back-up option at this point. He lacks the creative potential of Bastian, but has already played in the Premier League and is younger. Gundogan seems very unlikely at this point as LVG is looking for a more defensive minded midfielder and Khedira has signed for Juventus.
Nani will probably leave as he will be surplus to requirements with four wingers already in the club. I would like to see Januzaj going on a loan, ideally to a Premier League club so he can gain experience and play every week.
Predictions: Nani out; Januzaj (loan); Schweinsteiger in
Strikers:
Harry Kane has refused to be linked with a move to United, which is disappointing news, but a possibility to see him trying to recreate his performances for a second season in a row and then make a big money move.
Other options such as Bacca and Benteke seem unlikely at this point as both would require a starting spot. An intriguing choice would be Alexandre Lacazatte from Lyon, but we have not been linked with him yet. Apart from playing as a striker he could also play on the wings or behind the striker.
Robin van Persie has been linked with a move to Turkey, but I do expect LVG to convince him to stay and fight for his place. Wilson could act as a cover for him and Rooney , but would ideally send him on loan.
Chicharito looks set to be sold.
Predictions: Chicharito out; Lacazatte ( best case scenario)
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Regarding defenders, Otamendi has at least expressed a desire to play for us. Who knows if Ramos even wants a move? A 29 year old disgruntled star doesn’t sound right for us. Especially one that’s played in warm weather his whole career.