Manchester United Transfer News: Louis Van Gaal Casts Doubt over Mats Hummels

Louis van Gaal didn't like the way his tiny-tot defence failed to cope with Stoke City's aerial threat during the recent 1-1 draw in the Premier League. However, that concern won't push the Dutchman to buy a bigger centre-back during the January transfer window.

Van Gaal's words appear to rule out a move for Borussia Dortmund's Mats Hummels, a mooted United target and the perfect player to solve any woes in the air.

Against Stoke, Van Gaal saw skyscraper-like striker Peter Crouch easily and routinely leap above his dwarfed defenders, per Daily Mirror reporter James Nursey:

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It is difficult to defend when we are not so tall. Steven Nzonzi is taller and Crouch is taller so it is not so easy. We have to play always those kind of games because the opponent is always taller than us.

"

But when asked if he'll buy a towering defender to combat the problem, Van Gaal offered this blunt rebuttal: "No, we want to play another kind of football than Stoke City."

Although the Dutchman made no mention of Hummels, he's been on the radar and is noted for his aerial prowess. B/R analyst Sam Tighe praised that quality in his assessment of the Dortmund centre-back:

However, Hummels is also commended for his ability on the ball. That's something that would certainly suit the possession-based brand of football Van Gaal prefers.

The real issue is whether Hummels is even a realistic target to begin with. Certainly, Manchester Evening News writer Stuart Mathieson (h/t Manchester Evening News reporter Paul Handler) doesn't think so.

Mathieson thinks any such deal would have to wait until the summer. That's a thought echoed by German-based journalist Jan Aage Fjortoft:

Hummels may not be an easy get, but there won't be many who don't expect United to strengthen at the back. Persistent injuries and adapting to Van Gaal's preference for a three-man defence has led to chaos in front of goalkeeper David de Gea at times this season.

However, United have somewhat steadied the ship in the last month. Manchester Evening News Rob Dawson details the newfound stinginess:

Yet this record is only comparative. With players such as Phil Jones, Chris Smalling and Jonny Evans struggling for fitness and form, the Red Devils could use some fresh talent.

In fact, B/R's Andy Brassell believes centre-back should remain a priority for Van Gaal during the winter window:

But while the state of things at the back will still rate as a concern, Van Gaal also has reason to worry about things further forward. United have netted just two goals in the last three away games, all disappointing draws.

That's unacceptable for a squad boasting attackers as talented as Robin van Persie, Wayne Rooney and Radamel Falcao. The Reds even possess a playmaker the calibre of Juan Mata.

It's clear Van Gaal still hasn't got the balance quite right at either end of his team. That's likely to mean more fine-tuning dedicated to finding the right combinations at the front and at the back.