Manchester United Transfer News: Louis van Gaal Targets Attackers, Top Rumours

Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal has reiterated the need for his side to improve up front and in wide areas, and he revealed he will continue to target quick and creative players in the transfer window.

Per Goal.com's Joe Wright, he said:

"

We have to score more goals, I agree with that, but only one more than the opponent. That's what I am thinking. And, of course, we still need players with more creativity and pace on the wings.

That I have said five months ago, three months ago and now I am saying it again, but we need that, so we are still in a process.

"

Van Gaal later added, per Sacha Pisani of Goal: "They (the fans) want us to know we have to score. My mother knows that and my grandmother knows that. Goals are always the most important thing."

United have laboured to wins over West Bromwich Albion and CSKA Moscow in their last two outings, but prior to that endured three consecutive 0-0 draws in all competitions.

Indeed, Jesse Lingard's opener in Saturday's win over the Baggies was the Red Devils' first in 260 Premier League minutes.

United have scored just 17 goals—the fewest of any side in the top eight—and prior to Week 12 had created the fewest chances in the entire league according to Squawka Football.

The Red Devils are enjoying plenty of the ball but seem to lack any pace or incisiveness in the final third, save only for Lingard and Anthony Martial. Football writer Liam Canning highlighted their need to reinforce:

Van Gaal is indeed correct—an injection of pace and creativity is exactly what this United side need.

With it, they have an excellent chance of winning the Premier League title, as they already have a strong defensive foundation in place. Without it, their defence alone isn't likely to be enough.

Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images

United are still looking to improve at the back as well, though, and according to Antonino Milone of Tuttosport, (h/t Metro's Will Giles) they're joining Arsenal in the race to sign Juventus defender Daniele Rugani.

As mentioned earlier, United are incredibly strong defensively. Squawka Football highlight their impressive run of clean sheets:

Rugani would, nevertheless, be an excellent acquisition. 

Squawka report that for Empoli last season, the youngster won 36 tackles and 103 aerial duels, as well as making an incredible 273 clearances, 28 blocks and 33 interceptions.

BeIN Sports' Matteo Bonetti is a big fan of the 21-year-old:

As Giles notes, the defender has featured for just two minutes for the Bianconeri this season. With the 2016 European Championships looming at the end of the season, Rugani will no doubt be desperate to earn regular minutes on the pitch.

However, it seems Juve boss Massimiliano Allegri still has plans for Rugani after he said, per Football Italia, "Daniele has a bright future ahead of him, but Juventus have three or four of the best centre-backs in Europe. It’s beyond doubt he is the future of Juventus. Right now he needs patience and to continue training."

Allegri's assertion of Rugani's long-term future will likely see him stay in Turin.

However, in the short term, United could be able to land the youngster on loan if he still isn't getting on the pitch come January.