Jamie Ireland
Reports this morning are suggesting that Manchester United have entered the race for departing Bayern Munich striker Mario Mandzukic, along with two other English clubs.
London duo Arsenal and Chelsea have both registered an interest in the Croatian striker and it seems he will be surplus to requirements at the Allianz next year with Robert Lewandowski’s impending arrival.
But prior to his appointment van Gaal has reportedly told Manchester United which players he believes should be pursued, including Bayern’s Toni Kroos and Dortmund defender Mats Hummels.
But if Mandzukic is on van Gaal’s radar, just where will he fit in at Old Trafford? Considering that van Gaal is an advocate of the 4-3-3 formation, it’s difficult to predict.
But here are three reasons Mandzukic is wanted:
1. Even though van Gaal will have four senior strikers at his disposal, he may expect Javier Hernandez to leave in search of regular football and Danny Welbeck may be utilised in other positions.
2. Mandzukic finished second in the Bundesliga scoring charts with 18 league goals, beaten on the final day by none other than Lewandowski. But this still represents his best season for Bayern.
3. A change of position for Wayne Rooney? If van Gaal was to adopt a formation with two strikers, which has always been the United way, then perhaps he sees Rooney in the number 10 role and as the creative hub of the team.
It is uncertain who will come in and who will go out, but with £150 million to spend, apparently, van Gaal isn’t the type to not get the players he wants.
