Manchester United Transfer News: Star Names Among Latest Red Devils Rumours
You get the sense that this summer’s transfer window could well define Manchester United’s 2015/16 season.
Despite vast improvements under manager Louis van Gaal last term, the squad still isn’t quite strong enough to challenge for Premier League and Champions League glory.
The Dutchman very much needs to get to work making sure players put pen to paper, then. Here we break down the latest recruits in his sights.
Nicolas Gaitan
Benfica star Nicolas Gaitan has been heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford in recent weeks, but it seems Van Gaal and Co. may have to concede defeat in their pursuit of the attacking midfielder.
The 27-year-old, who signed for Benfica in 2010 in the wake of Angel Di Maria’s departure to Real Madrid, has spoken out on his future in Lisbon and insisted that he’s happy—per Record (via Jonathan Green of the Daily Star):
“I am good at Benfica. I have a contract.”
Gaitan’s words come just days after his agent said that a deal had been struck with the Red Devils—as noted in Green's piece—but it could well prove a blessing in disguise.
Sure, the Argentinian is a top player (and the stats don’t lie about that, per OptaCan), but he’s simply not what Manchester United need right now.
The position in behind the strikers is one that doesn’t need tampering with. Juan Mata proved his worth in the role many times last season—when actually given the chance to play there—and Di Maria comes into the campaign with a big point to prove.
Not to mention, skipper Wayne Rooney often finds himself dropping deep and flourishing.
According to Sky Sports (h/t Fox Sports), Gaitan has a buy-out clause in his Benfica contract of €35 million—a staggering amount of money.
Squad depth is incredibly important when battling for trophies on four fronts, but having world-class stars warming the Old Trafford bench just doesn’t make sense and it adds needless pressure and makes said players a bit rusty.
Instead, United need to focus on bringing in a top-drawer defender to steady the ship, and they’re not far away from landing exactly that.
Sergio Ramos
The Sergio Ramos saga is dragging on a bit now, but it seems that Manchester United are finally holding all the cards over Real Madrid.
According to Jamie Jackson of the Guardian, United are refusing to let the Spanish giants take goalkeeper David De Gea off their hands unless Ramos comes in the other direction.
However, it’s clear to see that Real would be the happier party with United’s stubborn nature.
De Gea will likely set the Bernabeu outfit back a pretty penny, but if they keep hold of Ramos and subsequently lose out on the goalkeeper for one more season, they could then get him on a free transfer.
United need Ramos more than Madrid need De Gea (for now)—it’s as simple as that.
So, the Red Devils need to put their foot on the gas in their pursuit, and former Real Madrid assistant manager Paul Clement, who now holds the reins at Derby County, told Sky that he’s worth going after—via Aaron Flanagan of the Daily Mirror:
"He is a wonderful player, one of the best I have ever worked with. [He has] so many qualities, [he is] a fantastic footballer, leader, competitor, athlete, a fantastic guy. He is one of the best centre-halves in the world and I've worked with some good ones like John Terry, Thiago Silva at PSG, good ones in Pepe and Raphael Varane but Ramos is up there with the best I've worked with. Whether at Real Madrid or United, either club are going to massively benefit. Wherever he is, it's going to a massive plus for that club.
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United fans will be hoping they reap the benefits of landing Ramos, but pundit Richard Keys believes he could snub Old Trafford and head to a destination uncomfortably close to home:
It all adds up to the fact that Van Gaal needs to act fast if he wants to bring the Spaniard to the Premier League.
Every approach has been rejected by the Spanish giants so far, but by using De Gea as bait, the Dutchman may just be able to get the deal over the line.
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