Silly season has officially begun and no club had been linked with more world class players than Manchester United. It seems like every day we seen a new player who is “close” to joining or has “agreed terms” with the Red Devils.
This upcoming season is vital for Manchester United, with them being back in the Champions League after a year’s absence and to start building to the already fantastic work that manger Louie Van Gaal has already done.
Many Manchester United have had their say individually on social media and other platforms about which players they want to sign for their club this summer but for the first time their opinions have been collectively counted in a survey conducted by the Manchester Evening News, in which over 4,000 fans had their say.
Topping the list is Borussia Dortmund’s Mats Hummels. The German international was the star defender at the World Cup last year, eventually lifting the trophy in Brazil. Hummels is a tall centre back who is confident of the ball and a strong tackler. Manchester United’s defence came under massive scrutiny last season, making many errors that often led to goals.
Taking the silver medal is Nicolas Otamendi who applies his trade for Valencia. Otamendi made the La Liga team of the season starting XI this year and was another stand out defender in Brazil. He came runner-up in the World Cup to Mats Hummels’ Germany and the Argentinian is on international duty again this summer in Chile for the Copa America.
The Third place slot belongs to France and Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema. The 27 year old found the back of the net 22 times this season and is one-third of the BBC trio. Benzema is considered as one of the best strikers in Europe and has been a consistent goal scorer every season he’s played at the Bernabeu.
Another Borussia Dortmund player holds fourth position in Ilkay Gundogan. The central midfielder was also part of the World Cup winning squad. Rumours about Gundogan joining the Red Devils began in January however the likes of Ander Herrera and Marouane Fellaini have stepped up in United’s midfield so the need for a world class talent has faded slightly. That being said, there’s no doubt that the holding midfield position needs strengthen.
The fifth and sixth spots go to Southampton’s Nathaniel Clyne and Morgan Schneiderlin. Southampton have had a surprisingly impressive season, despite the raid on their squad last summer. They definitely will have an easier job keeping their key players this time around but the one player who has been heavily linked with a move away from St. Mary’s is Nathaniel Clyne. Liverpool have already had a £10 million bid rejected so England’s number one right back will leave for a hefty fee, if he leaves at all.
Schneiderlin has been linked with a switch for the past three years, most notably to Arsenal, but this summer he has been linked with United and this transfer just makes sense. With the signings of Dutch winger Memphis Depay the left side will be much more exposed and Scheiderlin is exactly the player Man U need to fill this gap.
Seventh and Eighth place go to Tottenham’s Hugo Lloris and Harry Kane. United’s number one David De Gea has been heavily linked with a move to Real Madrid this summer and it is understood that if he was to leave Old Trafford in this window, Manchester United would approach Spurs over the possible transfer of French international Hugo Lloris. Lloris is one of the best goalkeepers in Europe and defiantly deserves to be playing in the Champions League.
Harry Kane was the surprise of the season by far. In his breakthrough campaign he scored 31 goals in all completions. Perhaps equally as surprising is the rumour that the Red Devils are lining up a £50 million move for the 21 year old striker. Even though it seems unlikely, no Manchester United would complain if it happened.
At nine is Paul Pogba. The former Manchester United academy midfielder left the club at 19 and joined Juventus. In the three years since then he has become arguably the best player under 23 in the world and has won more than his fair share of trophies. He has been heavily linked with a move away from Italy this summer and the team that has made the most progress in capturing the young man is the Red Devils’ rivals Manchester City. If United were to hijack the deal the total cost of the transfer could be in excess of £155 million.
Finally at number 10 in the Welsh Wizard Gareth Bale. The most expensive player in the world has constantly been linked with a move to Old Trafford this season after Madrid fans were pictured attacking his car and booing him every time he touched the ball. Bale has allegedly been the subject of £100 million enquiry for United but this has never been confirmed.
1. Mats Hummels
2. Nicolas Otamendi
3. Karim Benzema
4. Ilkay Gundogan
5. Nathaniel Clyne
6. Morgan Schneiderlin
7. Hugo Lloris
8. Harry Kane
9. Paul Pogba
10. Gareth Bale
Source: DSG
