Manchester United is scrambling to complete the final few slots Manager Louis van Gaal believes will strengthen his ailing squad. Already the club is struggling, having yet to garner a win in the seasons’ first four games. Ángel Di Maria made his debut Saturday, allowing the forward momentum they were lacking along with better possession, though Van Persie and Rooney failed to execute, ending in a 0-0 draw against Bernley.
All eyes are now fixed on the new manager to turn it around, though he cautions that it will take time, reported by Eurosport Saturday. “The progress is there, but you have to win, a club like Manchester United have to win.” Van Gaal told the press. “At the moment it’s certainly not a world-class team, but we have to wait, and have belief that it will come.”
Only a few hours remain before the transfer window is set to close. Van Gaal is hoping to attract his compatriots to Old Trafford while United Executive Vice-Chairman, Ed Woodward is busy working to release several players in order to secure the financials.
So far, the revolving door at Manchester United has moved 11 players, the most recent being (as reported here on FutNSoccer), Javier Hernandez. The Mexican star is rumoured to be in talks for a season-long loan to Real Madrid, which would no doubt give him more time on the pitch. Other players include Midfielder Tom Cleverly, Shinji Kagawa, and Striker Danny Welbeck. Following them could be midfielders Marouane Fellaini currently dealing with an ankle injury, Anderson, and Goalkeeper Anders Lindegaard.
Speaking with the DailyStar, Van Gaal added, “It is up to the players involved. I always say this because it is their decision.”
Arriving players include the newly signed Midfielder Dutchman, Daley Blind for a reported £16 million. Blind is a welcome addition to the disjointed midfield, and will be able to assist Di Maria in moving the ball forward.
Focus continues in the midfield, as Chelsea midfielder, Marco van Ginkal is set to move to AC Milan, which would give leeway for the transfer of Nigel de Jong to United. De Jong has been rumoured as a back up, if the Chilean Midfielder Arturo Vidal deal falls through. Other interests include youngster Delli Alli, reported here Sunday, and Kevin Strootman, relayed by The Telegraph though that deal would likely take place in January.
Manchester United has less than 24-hours to finalize their squad by 11 p.m. Monday evening and are expected to surpass their current bill of £150 million. The next challenge for Van Gaal will be to see if these players balance well together and whether they are capable of executing his 3-5-2 formation successfully.
