Jamie Ireland
Manchester United’s transfer plans are looking rather disjointed, with no manager until after the World Cup and executive vice chairman Ed Woodward unschooled in the way of transfer dealings.
Without David Gill as Manchester United CEO, it seems to me Manchester United are taking an unrealistic and naïve approach to their transfer movements so far.
Surely, the higher-ups within the club must have known that without any European football it was going to be difficult to attract the A-list players from the big clubs.
I get the idea of going for high profile Dutch or Bundesliga players, who have worked with van Gaal and know how good a coach he is and using his connections.
But trying to get Arjen Robben, Thomas Muller and Mats Hummels to leave the two best clubs in Germany and two of the best in the Champions League is rather foolish.
Here are three target who I actually could see at Old Trafford:
Kevin Strootman: After ending the club’s interest in Toni Kroos and Cesc Fabregas, it is clear that van Gaal sees the Netherlands midfielder as his number one midfield target. I think he definitely a possibility, van Gaal’s choice and could cost in and around £25 million.
Miranda: The 28 year-old centre back has been a colossus at the back for Simeone’s La Liga winning Atletico Madrid. But Los ‘Rijoblancos’ have huge debts (€514 million in 2011) and as they have shown in the past, if the right money is offered, then the player will leave.
Antoine Griezmann: United are desperately short of quality on the wings, and this French wide man is exactly what they need. Fast, skilful and deadly infront of goal, putting away 16 goals this season(Squawka). With Real Sociedad not making the Champions League, the winger could be persuaded.
