Manchester United Transfer News: Louis Van Gaal Promises 2 More Signings

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has promised at least two further signings for the Red Devils this summer.

The Dutchman's recruitment drive has already seen him significantly improve the club's midfield with the arrivals of Bastian Schweinsteiger and Morgan Schneiderlin, but Van Gaal suggests money still needs to be spent elsewhere, per United's official Twitter account:

Adam Marshall and Mark Froggatt of the club's website provided the full transcript from Van Gaal's MUTV interview with Stewart Gardner, who asked whether the boss expects further arrivals:

"

I hope so. No, we are not finished yet, I think. It is what I have said already in many press conferences. We need a balance in the selection and I think we still need to improve at least two positions and we shall do that when it is possible.

But we shall only buy when the player can give a contribution to our level. And, of course, that is in the eyes of our staff, but I have to have confidence that he can cope with the rhythm of the Premier League.

"

Ted S. Warren/Associated Press

Despite adding full-back Matteo Darmian and the equally versatile winger Memphis Depay, Van Gaal is likely to target defensive and attacking reinforcements. Specifically, the Old Trafford club needs to acquire at least one world-class centre-back and striker.

Per Sid Lowe of the Guardian, United continue to be linked with Real Madrid leader Sergio Ramos, a player whose sale has been ruled out collectively by Los Blancos boss Rafa Benitez and Florentino Perez, the Spanish club's president.

"There is a lot of talk about his situation," said Benitez, reported by FourFourTwo. "For me he is an enormous professional. He applies himself and does everything that the team and I ask. The president has already commented that he is staying with the club."

Alberto Saiz/Associated Press

Valencia's Nicolas Otamendi is widely reported as Van Gaal's next option, a story emphasised by Will Giles of Metro after the Argentinian stalwart was absent from promotional material surrounding the Mestalla club's new kit launch.

The 27-year-old centre-back is reportedly refusing to train in a bid to push through a switch to Manchester, per Marca (h/t Ben Jefferson of the Express).

On the attacking front, reports continue to suggest United may try to tempt Edinson Cavani away from Paris Saint-Germain. Angel Di Maria is being linked with a move in the opposite direction, but the Telegraph's Jason Burt believes only the latter deal is likely:

Tottenham Hotspur's Harry Kane is a "potential addition" after Van Gaal allowed Robin van Persie and Radamel Falcao to leave, according to Daniel Prescott of MailOnline. As such, United have embarked on their pre-season tour of the United States with Wayne Rooney and James Wilson as the squad's only two recognised out-and-out strikers.

B/R UK's Sam Tighe believes United should prioritise the signing of Robert Lewandowski from Bayern Munich:

Van Gaal may find himself in desperate need of strengthening three positions if goalkeeper David De Gea signs for Madrid, although the English club are prepared to lose him for free at the onset of 2016-17, per George Scott of the Daily Star. This saga continues to rumble on with De Gea saying very little and refusing to sign a new £200,000 per week contract at the Theatre of Dreams.

Last season's fourth-placed finish was an excellent achievement after the dismay of David Moyes' tenure, but Van Gaal's reputation won't be spared if United fail to push on.

Now that he's admitted further acquisitions are needed, executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward—who has so far worked United's deals brilliantly—must continue delivering.