6 (Realistic) Transfer Targets

-James Adams 

I think the general consensus among Manchester United fans is that the team still needs a top quality Centre back and more pace in attack.

And with it being the International break, I thought now is as good as time as any to breakdown 6 players I believe fit in with Louis Van Gaal’s Philosophy and that United could (realistically) look at:

Sadio Mané

Mané burst onto the scene last year with a terrific season for Southampton that included 10 goals and the fastest-ever premier league hat trick.

This season Mané has started solidly with 2 goals and 4 assists in 7 appearances and I think the game against Chelsea in particular, highlights the potential impact Mané could have in a Louis Van Gaal team. He was a constant threat all game, pressed defenders, made 6 tackles and bagged a goal and an assist.

The other strength of Mané is his multi-functionality (to borrow a Van Gaal phrase) and has shown over the past year that he is adept at playing in any of the 3 positions behind the striker.

Yacine Brahimi

The flying Algerian winger recently left Ivanovic shocked and dazed when Porto played Chelsea in the Champions League. Brahimi, known for his fantastic dribbling and technical ability was just relentless against Chelsea. Brahimi’s other strengths include passing and holding onto the ball (WhoScored) – 2 attributes Van Gaal rates highly in his possession based philosophy.

Although Memphis currently occupies his preferred position (Left Wing), I could see him drifting inside and potentially playing off the striker just like Arjen Robben did for Van Gaal in the World Cup.

Franco Vázquez

Often overshadowed due to the spectacular play of Paulo Dybala, Vázquez recorded 10 goals and 10 assists in Serie A last season. Interestingly, Juventus made a late attempt to sign him in the summer after bringing over Dybala earlier in the window.

Mainly playing just off and around Dybala, he also helped lead the line and contributed defensively by pressing the opposition – Vázquez averaged just under 2 tackles and 1 interception per game for Palermo last year (WhoScored) and could form a similar partnership with the speedy Anthony Martial.

Aymeric Laporte

A young and composed left-footed centre back, that can pass, could be the ideal fit for United. Laporte has already shown a defensive understanding and a reading of the game beyond his years – he is currently averaging 3.33 interceptions per game this year (Squawka) and I’m sure fans would be happy if Laporte decided to further his career at Old Trafford.

Samuel Umtiti

Another young left-footed centre back that is comfortable on the ball (there may be a theme here!) could form a dominating partnership with Smalling at the heart of United’s defence.

Umtiti possesses great speed and strength and has completed 87% of his passes and has won just under 73% of his aerial duels this season for Lyon (Squawka)

Bruno Martins Indi

Martins Indi may not be the flashiest of signings but he understands Louis Van Gaal’s philosophy after featuring heavily for the Dutch boss in the World Cup. He has also started Porto’s Champions League campaign well – completing 82% of his passes and winning 90% of his aerial duels.

The young Dutch defender could slot in straight away at either Centre Back or Left back and could potentially be targeted by United in January.

I hope you enjoyed the article and it would be great to hear your thoughts on who you think United should target in the comments section below - you can also reach me on twitter @jra205.