Jamie Ireland
Even though only two years ago this Manchester United side were Premier League champions, the squad needs to be chopped and changed and van Gaal ready to swing the axe.
The Guardian reports that the Dutchman wants Barcelona forward Alexis Sanchez to operate the right side of his front three next season but not before he gets rid of some deadwood.
Sanchez will have ample opportunity to impress at the World Cup, when Chile face van Gaal’s Netherlands side in the final game of Group B.
In what has been a difficult season for Barcelona, the former Udinese man has shone, finishing as the second highest scorer behind Lionel Messi with 19 goals. (Squawka)
Sanchez is exactly the type of wide player that van Gaal uses in his fabled 4-3-3 formation, fast, direct, can score goals but most important can work hard in the press.
Sanchez would not have to adjust to van Gaal’s way of playing, having worked under Pep Guardiola at Barcelona whose style is adapted from the Dutch ‘TotaalVoetbal’ left by Johan Cruyff AND van Gaal.
However, the Chilean’s future at the Camp Nou is up in the air but in my opinion with Luis Enrique wanting to re-invigorate and evolve the tiki-taka style, I think Sanchez is too direct.
Sanchez is believed to be valued around £20-25 million, which for a player at 25, with his experience and ability is an absolute steal.
But before any players come in there are quite a few who will most definitely be cut loose by van Gaal, players like Nani, Ashley Young and possibly Antonio Valencia.
This squad is in desperate need of a recycle and when it comes to van Gaal, nobody is above being cut. Just ask Rivaldo.
