Manchester United Transfer News: Louis van Gaal Promises More New Signings

Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal has insisted he will continue to make alterations to his squad moving forward despite the Red Devils topping the Premier League after seven games.

A 3-0 win over Sunderland after Manchester City’s 4-1 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur allowed United to take top spot for the first time under Van Gaal’s tutelage.

The Dutchman revealed the summer cull of players was a key factor in their strong form, but "Van Gaal is adamant that he will continue to alter his squad in his bid to win trophies," per the Manchester Evening News:

"

You need luck, but the balance of the team is better than last season.

We shall improve every week, yes. I don’t see it every week, but see that we are better as a team and a selection. I rotate more now because I can. Last year in my opinion I didn’t have the balance. I have let 20 or 25 players go. So it’s a new team.

...

The manager has influence, but the players much more. They have to build up a structure in the dressing room and that’s really important. They have to accept that structure. That is why I do that every season—every season I shall do that—because I think we need that new stimulus.

"

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The summer spending done by the Red Devils has certainly enriched their chances of a title challenge this term.

Morgan Schneiderlin and Bastian Schweinsteiger have both been steadying influences in central midfield, which has long been an area of concern for United. Meanwhile, at the sharp end of the pitch, the youthful exuberance and daring forward play of Memphis Depay and Anthony Martial has delighted the Old Trafford crowd.

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Schweinsteiger, a man who forged a reputation as a born winner with Bayern Munich, was quick to remind his followers on social media exactly where United were in the Premier League after their strong beginning to the campaign:

Indeed, there’s a lot to like about United in the early weeks of the season. Although Van Gaal has drawn some criticism for the meticulous style of football the Red Devils have played under him, the Dutchman has made the team very difficult to beat. If they do have genuine ambitions of a title challenge, that fortitude will be a key attribute.

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But now there is a flair to complement the fastidious approach play. Martial and Memphis are players who are always looking to penetrate defensive lines with their movement, giving United a direct edge in attacking positions. That variety will also be key to any hopes they harbour of being crowned champions.

Whether they will eventually compete for the biggest prize will become clearer in the weeks to come, but as Samuel Luckhurst of the Manchester Evening News noted, despite some criticism, things are moving in a positive direction for the Red Devils:

Some signings in the mid-season window would help build on the early momentum. While there is a better balance in some areas of this United squad when compared to last term, Van Gaal has left himself a little short of quality at the back and up top; with United also having to manage European commitments, the scarcity of options is likely to tell.

But the Old Trafford crowd will be enjoying what they’re seeing at the moment, as a diligent team sprinkled with some attacking stardust has fired this side back to the Premier League’s summit. With a few more additions in January, this group assembled by Van Gaal could turn out to have what it takes to go all the way this season.