Manchester United have wasted little time this summer, completing two major deals for Luke Shaw and Ander Herrera in the past week. It’s been a complete contrast to the shambles of last year’s transfer period, which only Marouane Fellaini arrive before the deadline.
It’s a massive step in the right direction for the club, even if the size of the transfer fees cause a little discomfort. Both Herrera and Shaw are considered among the most talented in their respective positions and United are set to benefit from both for the next decade at least.
But the recruitment isn’t done yet, with a couple of other areas of the pitch in desperate need of attention. There’s still plenty of cash left in this summer’s budget, which started at £200 million.
Following the capture of Shaw and Herrera, here are five players who could follow them to United.
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Arturo Vidal
Manchester United have reportedly kicked the tires on a deal for Arturo Vidal, with Juventus said to have placed a price tag of over £40 million on the Chilean international.
United were recently linked with a move for Bastian Schweinsteiger, but Vidal would make much more sense at this stage. Both players are equally versatile, able to carry out multiple roles in the midfield. But Schweinsteiger has a recent history of injury problems and, being 29, doesn’t have as long a Vidal at the top of the game.
Vidal is exactly what United need in the midfield to complement new signing Ander Herrera. Even with the signings of the former Bilbao midfielder and Luke Shaw, there should be more than enough left to make a serious move for the Juventus midfielder.
Thomas Vermaelen
There are conflicting reports on this one, but logic suggests Thomas Vermaelen will play for Manchester United next season.
The Arsenal captain has struggled for games at the Emirates and sees a move to Old Trafford as an opportunity to kick start his career. United could possibly buy two centre-backs this summer, with Phil Jones and Chris Smalling struggling with both inconsistency and injury. Vermaelen, in that event, would be seen as the cheaper, experienced addition.
If he can get back to his best, the Belgian international would be a very good signing for United.
Paul Pogba
Paul Pogba to Manchester United seems hugely unlikely after the events of his departure in 2012, but you never know in football.
The French international is reportedly wanted by clubs throughout Europe, with two fantastic seasons with Juventus behind him and a World Cup which he’s been one of the stars. Pogba very much looks set to become one of the modern greats of the game, able to do it all in the midfield.
Juventus reportedly want £60 million for the young Frenchman, a mammoth fee considering United allowed him to walk for nothing. But the upside is clear, and £60 million for one of Europe’s absolute best must be tempting for a club in United’s position.
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Kevin Strootman
Kevin Strootman has been forced to miss out on the World Cup with the Netherlands due to injury, but he’s certainly not away from the transfer mill, with Manchester United still said to be eyeing a move for the Roma midfielder.
Strootman is one of the few midfielders in Europe who would be seen as the perfect signing after United’s acquisition of Ander Herrera. The two would appear to be the perfect tandem in the centre of the pitch.
But Roma are putting up a fight, knowing full well the worth of their player and that the best is yet to come. United made a sizeable mistake in passing on Strootman last summer, and any transfer this year will be far more costly than the £14 million PSV received from Roma.
William Carvalho
Sporting’s William Carvalho remains a target for Manchester United, with officials said to be on the continent in order to negotiate a deal for the midfielder.
Carvalho has attracted attention from across Europe, but United’s need is obvious, with the Portuguese international touted as one of the brightest defensive midfielders in the game.
He’d come at a high price, though, with Sporting placing a price of £37 million on the youngster. But United have the means to get this deal done, and under the guidance of Louis van Gaal, Carvalho could become a star at Old Trafford.