The midfield is possibly to most important part of van Gaal’s 4-3-3 system and it is clear that the current players at Old Trafford are not the right quality.

The Daily Star reports that Manchester United are battling Chelsea for the signature of Inter Milan’s powerful midfield man Fredy Guarin.

Although the ‘Nerazzurri’ experienced a disappointing season which saw them finish fifth in Serie A and miss out on Champions League football, Guarin proved his quality.

The Colombian made 32 appearances for Inter in Serie A, scoring four goals and providing six assists from midfield. (Squawka)

He was believed to be close to a move to Italian champions Juventus in January, which would have seen striker Mirko Vucinic at the San Siro but the deal fell through.

Guarin would be a useful acquisition for Manchester United, even with van Gaal wanting to implement a more free flowing formation and style of play.

With all his teams he has made sure that there is a physical presence in the midfield, in the Netherlands side he plays former Manchester City midfielder Nigel de Jong alongside Wesley Sneijder and Jonathan De Guzman.

The Inter midfielder certainly offers stamina and physicality but also an ability to run with the ball and score goals. He would certainly provide something that United do not have.

However, Guarin is currently in Brazil with dark horses Colombia and it is unlikely that any deal could be negotiated until after the tournament finishes. 

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