Five targets for Manchester United this summer
After a much improved 2014/15 campaign, Louis van Gaal’s side are looking to cement their place among the Premier League’s top four contenders this season. The 13-time Premier League champions have already acquired Dutch winger Memphis Depay and Torino full-back Matteo Darmian but are likely to bring another couple of players into Old Trafford before the transfer window slams shut on September 1st. We take a look at five players who could be playing their football at The Theatre of Dreams this term and give our thoughts on the likelihood of these moves.
Harry Kane
The Tottenham Hotspur striker has shown that he is more than capable of producing the goods on a regular basis in the Premier League and would certainly be an excellent addition at Old Trafford. With both Robin van Persie and Javier Hernandez set to leave the club, Manchester United are in desperate need of a striker and the 21-year-old will certainly be on their radar after netting 32 goals in all competitions for club and country last season. Unfortunately for the Red Devils, Daniel Levy will be intent on keeping Kane at White Hart Lane and United may have to spend in excess of £50 million to sign the forward.
Likelihood: 2/5
Nicolas Otamendi
Nicolas Otamendi has been linked with a summer move to Old Trafford for the last couple of months but talk of a transfer went quiet due to the Argentine’s involvement in the Copa America. The Valencia central defender played a pivotal role for his club in 2014-15 and his contributions were recognised as he was included in the La Liga Team of the Season ahead of Sergio Ramos and Diego Godin. Now that the Copa America has finished, it wouldn’t be a huge surprise to see United make a formal bid for the 27-year-old in the near future.
Likelihood: 4/5
Morgan Schneiderlin
After an excellent 2014/15 season, the Frenchman has attracted interest from Arsenal, Tottenham and Manchester United this summer. The 25-year-old was superb for Southampton as Ronald Koeman’s men finished in 7th position, despite being written off by many after Luke Shaw, Adam Lallana, Dejan Lovren and Rickie Lambert left the club.
One of Schneiderlin’s best performances of the campaign came at Old Trafford as the Saints talisman led his side to their first away victory against United since 1988. The Frenchman is solid and would help to provide protection to an inconsistent defensive unit. If reports are accurate, it’s only a matter of time before the 13-time Premier League champions get their man.
Likelihood: 5/5
Thomas Muller
The Bayern Munich forward is one of the greatest talents on the planet and remains an integral part of Pep Guardiola’s plans. That being said, a move to Old Trafford isn’t fully out of the question. According to reports, the Bavarians are interested in a summer move for Argentina winger Angel di Maria and a potential swap deal involving Muller could take place.
The 25-year-old is yet to reach his peak and has already scored 10 goals in World Cup finals for Germany. There’s no doubt that he is incredibly gifted and Manchester United would love to sign him, but it remains very unlikely that he will leave Bayern in the near future.
Likelihood: 1/5
Jasper Cillessen
Cillessen, who played under Louis van Gaal for the Netherlands at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, has been linked with a move to Old Trafford this summer after an impressive season at Ajax. United’s current number one shot stopper David de Gea is likely to join Real Madrid before the transfer window shuts and Van Gaal may consider a move for the 26-year-old ahead of the upcoming campaign.
Although many have their doubts about Cillessen’s ability to perform at the highest level, United’s Dutch manager trusts him and may try to lure him away from the Amsterdam Arena with the promise of first-team football at an elite Premier League club.
Likelihood: 4/5
