Manchester United Transfer News: Latest Memphis Depay, William Carvalho Rumours

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal will be looking to add a dash of youthful exuberance to his squad this summer, with reports linking the Red Devils with moves for rising stars Memphis Depay and William Carvalho.

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The former of the duo arguably represents the most exciting proposition for the Old Trafford faithful but, according to Paul Hetherington of the Daily Star, landing the Dutch starlet could come at a cost. Indeed, the piece suggests Depay could well be a replacement for the toiling Angel di Maria.

Here’s a look at what the PSV Eindhoven man could potentially add to the United squad:

While Di Maria is having a difficult time of things at the moment in the Premier League, it’s difficult to see United cashing in on him. Since his British record transfer the Argentine has showcased moments of magnificent quality in the iconic red shirt and given time surely he will do so once again.

Former Red Devils defender Gary Neville thinks there are extenuating circumstances that may have hindered his form as of late, per The Telegraph:

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So he has come to United when he did not want to leave Madrid, has suffered the trauma of a burglary, and started to work for a new manager while playing in a team that is still in a ‘storm’ phase of development.

All of those are factors that would go some way to explaining why Di Maria has struggled after his bright start, but I feel as though I have a parrot on either shoulder, with one telling me to give the benefit of the doubt because of those reasons while the other is saying that, actually, the time has come for a £60m player to deliver.

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Stylistically, Depay wouldn't be a direct replacement for Di Maria either. While the Argentine is an adaptable talent that's at his best at the heart of a midfield trio, the Dutchman is very much a winger-forward hybrid, capable of doing a fine job anywhere across the front line.

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With United unlikely to give up on Di Maria so quickly, Bleacher Report’s Alex Dimond took a look at some players who could well be on their way out of Old Trafford this summer:

United fans will be hoping the former Real Madrid man does rediscover his spark between now and the end of the season and subsequently we’re talking about Depay potentially partnering Di Maria at the sharp end of this team, not replacing him. After all, the prospect of both players linking up at their best is an especially enticing one for United fans.

As noted by Squawka Football, the 21-year-old Dutch star is having a magnificent campaign in the Eredivisie:

Van Gaal knows Depay well after their World Cup campaign and he’s a player that was utilised very astutely by the current United boss in that competition. According to Hetherington, the forward sees the manager as a “father figure” too, something that would surely appeal to him should he decide to leave PSV this summer.

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Arguably there are other areas of this squad in much more pertinent need of addressing than the forwards, though. So perhaps it’s no surprise to see United linked with the Sporting midfielder William Carvalho; according to Rob Shepherd of the MailOnline, the Red Devils are poised to do battle with Liverpool to land the £35 million-rated star.

Here’s a glimpse at why he’d potentially command that kind of transfer fee:

United’s midfield has looked a little lightweight at times this season and a player of Carvalho’s immense physicality and defensive acumen would potentially add some much-needed fortitude.

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His current team-mate and on-loan United man Nani certainly thinks the Portugal international has all the tools needed to flourish in the Premier League:

A fee of £35 million is a lot for a player who still remains a little raw, however. Carvalho has plenty of refining to do as a young footballer and while his erratic nature isn’t always punished in the Portuguese top flight, in elite-level English football any minor faux pas will be ruthlessly seized upon.

But there is undeniable potential to tap into and if Liverpool do move for the 22-year-old, United may not want to be left behind in pursuit of his signature. With competition for his services likely to drive the price up further, expect Van Gaal’s willingness to land the holding midfielder to be tested in earnest in the upcoming window.