Two Quality Centreback’s
Ideal Signing’s: Hummel’s (Borussia Dortmund & Germany) & Benatia (Roma & Morrocco)

With Vidic and Ferdinand both on their way out of the Old Trafford this summer there is a worrying lack of experience in the heart of United’s defence, couple this with the fact that Jonny Evan’s, although a reliable performer, isn’t exactly world class and the failure of Smalling and Jones to fulfil their potential as of yet, there is a real need for top quality in front of the impressive David De Gea. While Jones and Smalling may still come good, it would be naive to expect them to rise to the challenge so quickly and consistently over a season, with this in mind two world class centre backs who already have top level experience would be ideal. Hummels or Benatia or ideally both would be great signings. With both players being some of the most impressive and reliable defenders over recent seasons who are coming into the prime of their careers.

Box-to-Box Midfielder
Ideal Signing: Barkley (Everton & England)

With Herrera signing, some fans might think that the United midfield is starting to looking a bit better, this might be true, but with midfield being one of the biggest problems over recent years a major revamp is needed. If Herrera plays in his most likely position of a traditional centre midfielder there is still the need for a rampaging, athletic midfielder who can get up and down the field at pace, who has something special in his locker. With the attacking midfield / number 10 position well stocked in the form of Mata, Rooney and Kagawa, a box to box midfielder should be top priority for Van Gaal. With the thinking of trying to get a home based feel to the squad, I see Ross Barkley as ideal. Equally capable in a number of positions and his young age, Barkley would give an added edge and something different to the Old Trafford ranks with his goal’s and assists to games ratio surely improving with the more experience he gains.

Defensive Midfielder
Ideal Signing: Strootman (Roma & Netherlands)

Yes, yet another midfielder. Even with Herrera and hopefully a box to box midfielder joining the ranks there is still and unbelievable need for a defensive midfielder. This is a position as nearly every Manchster United fan knows has never really been filled since Roy Keane left. United are crying out for someone who can see danger, breaks up the play quickly and gives the ball to the more attacking players for the next attack. Someone who does the dirty job of football, a silent hero, the rock of a team. Trying to find these qualities in a player for this position is by no means easy as Sir Alex Ferguson found out on many occasions with many failed signings. In the hope of finally solving the defensive midfield conundrum I’d look no further than Kevin Strootman. Already a tried and trusted performer under Louis Van Gaal, he has the experience, temperament and know how to fill the position with ease. Unfortunately with him currently being out of the World Cup with injury and unlikely to return until the Christmas period, Van Gaal might have to bide his time if he is to get his man, but he’d be worth the wait.

Devastating Winger
Ideal Signing: Reus (Borussia Dortmund & Germany)

Manchester United’s wing play used to be their most devastating weapon, with players such as Kanchelskis, Giggs, Beckham and Ronaldo gracing the Old Trafford pitch, United were well stocked in that area. Sadly with the current squad players such as Nani and Young, their names on the teamsheet are usually greated with groans from supporters rather than hope of devastating attacking play. Van Gaal needs to restore this quality to the squad that once struck fear into the hearts of opposition defenders. Ideally I think Van Gaal would want Robben as his answer to this problem but with his age and high transfer fee and wages, it might not be the best long term plan to go for his signature. Reus of Borussia Dortmund and Germany would be a good option, with his pace, imagination and creativity along with his ability to cut inside at will, he would add an extra string to the bow of the Manchester United attack, something which is desperately needed after the predictability of United’s forward play last season.