Manchester United Transfer News: Latest Rumours Around Louis Van Gaal's Side

What a difference a few fresh faces make. 

Having coasted through the first four games of the season in a cumbersome and insipid manner, Manchester United resembled a side transformed in Week 4 of the Premier League season.

With a sprinkling of new signings in the lineup, the Red Devils were effervescent and penetrative in their play against an abject Queens Park Rangers side, romping to a 4-0 victory. 

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Players such as Angel Di Maria, Daley Blind and Ander Herrera have made already made a big impression, and looking at the level of impetus these players have injected into United's play already, Red Devils supporters will be hoping for some similar quality additions.

And, as is always the case with the Old Trafford outfit, myriad classy players have been linked with a potential move. Here's the very latest on a few players the Dutch boss could be looking to sign in January or next summer.

Cristiano Ronaldo Deal 'Possible'

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After a host of reports suggesting the Portuguese forward is fed up at Real Madrid, Van Gaal has given United supporters even more hope for a reunion with their former winger.

When pressed on the possibility of bringing Ronaldo back to Old Trafford, the Dutch manager refused to rule out the prospect. He did quite the opposite, in fact, per Mark Ogden of The Telegraph:

"

Yes, but it's always a discussion in the papers, and I don't think the media shall buy Ronaldo.

It is possible. That's what I have said with [Radamel] Falcao. Players like Ronaldo give a lot of extra to a team, but I don't think Real Madrid shall sell him.

"

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The quotes from Van Gaal come after former Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon insisted that the 29-year-old is "fed up" at the Bernabeu, per talkSPORT (h/t Goal.com) and could be looking to move on.

Here’s why United would be especially keen on bringing back their former No. 7:

Spanish football expert Guillem Balague thinks the deal will eventually happen, per Bleacher Report UK:

The money being banded about in respect of transfer fees and wages in various reports is stratospheric when it comes to Ronaldo. But if he were to don the iconic red strip once more, it would be a major coup for the Red Devils and for the Old Trafford faithful a wonderful chance to sample a club legend play at his absolute peak once more.

When all is said and done, the Portuguese remains one of the best players on the planet, and although he’s approaching 30 years of age, there is little to suggest that he's going to tail off any time soon.

If anything, Ronaldo just seems to keep on getting better and better; that can only be to United's benefit should they pull off a deal.

Kevin Strootman First, Then Ronaldo

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While United supporters will be desperate to see Ronaldo back in United red as soon as possible, Van Gaal seemingly has other issues to address first, according to reports.

David McDonnell of The Mirror claims that while United are eyeing up a move for the Portuguese wide man this summer, the club's No. 1 target in the mid-season window will be Roma's Kevin Strootman. 

Here's why Van Gaal is desperate to get Strootman—a player he made national team captain during their time together in the Dutch setup—on board at Old Trafford:

According to McDonnell's piece, Roma have slapped a £46 million price-tag on the 24-year-old, who is in the final stages of recovery following a long-term injury layoff.

The report suggests that United were hoping to strike a deal for circa £25 million, but the Giallorossi owner James Pallotta is hoping a massive asking price will put the Red Devils off.

Nonetheless, Walter Sabatini has insisted already the club has no intention of selling their star midfield man:

But it’s difficult to see Van Gaal being halted in his pursuit of Strootman, a player who ticks all the boxes when it comes to the requisite attributes that the Dutch boss demands of his players.

The Roma man is a midfield enforcer of the highest order, and with Real Madrid also reportedly interested in the player, per La Gazzetta dello Sport (in Italian, h/t Marca), expect this one to run and run. 

United Lost Faith, Says Javier Hernandez

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The Mexican international striker has claimed that the club didn't trust him, and subsequently, that he's delighted to be on loan at Real Madrid.

Hernandez was a peripheral figure throughout the 2013/14 campaign, and after United strengthened their attacking options with the signing of Radamel Falcao, the man known as Chicharito was always going to find himself struggling for time on the pitch.

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Speaking with Claro Sports (h/t Ben Burrows of The Mirror), Hernandez stated that he thinks the club didn't have enough belief in him:

"

There was no confidence. I remained patient and that’s why I’m here today. It was a very tough year especially because they didn’t believe in me.

I had the chance to meet Ancelotti when he was Chelsea coach. The faith he has in his players motivates me and makes me work hard.

I really want to make the most of my time here. Any footballer dreams about joining Real Madrid. I know I'm here for a reason. The statistics support me, I'm a good player and a good person.

"

Andres Kudacki/Associated Press

While the striker will have been undeniably delighted to get a loan move to the Bernabeu, the reality is that for him, the chances of getting regular minutes in the first team are as equally unlikely.

Real boast a host of stellar attacking options, and as a result, Hernandez is likely to find himself utilised as an impact player once again this season.

His United career looks as though it's all but over, but if Hernandez can impress in Madrid with the opportunities he's afforded, then he'll be well placed for a move to a top European club next summer.