Manchester United Transfers: 5 Signings to Bring the Fight to City Next Season

Oh boy, oh boy. What a difference a fortnight can make?

Barring a Van de Velde-esque collapse next Sunday afternoon, Manchester City look all but certain to claim their first Premier League trophy since the competition's inception in 1992.

For Manchester United and Sir Alex, a summer rethink will be in order after a season in which they have found themselves, for the most part, second best to their bitter rivals.

This list will examine the potential (realistic, mind) transfer targets to restore the balance of power in the northwest, as the Red Devils look to regroup and rebuild for next term.

Because, as is evident, United have a fight on their hands, and a foe unlikely to yield anytime soon.

Eden Hazard

Let us start with the name on everybody's lips of late—the Belgian wunderkind Eden Hazard of Lille OSC.

A potentially bitter transfer tug-of-war looks set to take place this summer between both Manchester clubs as they vie for the immensely talented Hazard.

Lightening-quick with a deft touch and skill set unrivaled in Ligue 1, the winger has drawn praise from none other than Sir Alex, who was able to witness in person a player with "many qualities."

It only remains to be seen which team will win the bidding war.

Luka Modric

If there is one player in world football capable of inheriting the "next Paul Scholes" mantle, it's Tottenham Hotspur's midfield maestro, Luka Modric.

The diminutive Croatian certainly has the quality to slot straight into the United starting lineup, as his awareness and passing abilities are undoubtedly at an exceptional standard.

But perhaps the quality he possesses that United are most sorely in need of is that he's a central midfielder whose movement off the ball and ability to read the game allows him to dictate the flow at all times—a trait that has always set Scholes apart from the pack.

Lucas Moura

I am tempted to write "Just watch the video" and leave it at that, but I'll resist.

Still only 19 years of age, Sao Paulo's Lucas is an attacking midfielder with immense potential.

Despite the fact he would undoubtedly need time to adapt to the Premier League, Lucas' skill and blinding pace would strike fear into any defender, English or otherwise, if they saw him hurtling toward them.

If he has come in for criticism for being too "selfish" at times, one must remember that such a weakness was once ascribed to Cristiano Ronaldo in his teenage years, so it can be instead looked on as an exuberance of youth.

Besides, better to have to rein in such abilities than to have to develop them from scratch.

Franck Tabanou

This one's a little out of left field.

Currently plying his trade for Toulouse in Ligue 1, Franck Tabanou is a left-sided winger who would fit perfectly into a 4-4-2 formation, ideally suiting United's current style of football.

His passing is exceptional, he has a blistering shot and he plays with a genuine enthusiasm for the game.

He is also capable of filling in at left-back, a position that is fast becoming a problem for Sir Alex with Patrice Evra's deteriorating form and Fabio's impending departure.

Oh, and he'd come fairly cheap as well!

Neven Subotic

Five reasons Manchester United should sign centre-back Neven Subotic:

1. He's Serbian.
2. His club (Borussia Dortmund) have been the best in Germany for the past two years with him at its spine.
3. He speaks very good English, having previously lived in the United States.
4. He's 6"4, with a balance to match that of an aging Rio Ferdinand.
5. Did I mention he was Serbian???