Manchester United: Van Gaal needs clear strategy in transfer window

Memphis Depay is no doubt a world-class player, though it begs the question how is Louis van Gaal going to utilise him next season?

Capable of playing as a left winger or striker, there needs to be a defined route set out early that he can take at Manchester United.

At the minute, nobody seems exactly sure what United need and even what their best system is. One of the biggest problems last season was accommodating skipper Wayne Rooney, who by his standards wasn’t on top form.

However, it is no wonder when one minute he was up front on his own, then paired with another striker and then dropped back into midfield. Van Gaal should take notes from England manager Roy Hodgson. Rooney plays best when up front, often taking the lead.

United, 5/1 with Coral to win the Premier League this coming season, are still reportedly on the hunt for a striker after they decided not to extend Radamel Falcao’s loan stay, and with Robin van Persie linked with a move away.

What is certain is that they need to ensure that any incoming striker is the right fit. Despite Falcao being injured, he probably wasn’t suited to United’s style of play and neither would long-term target Edinson Cavani, who lacks the dynamism that the Red Devils utilise. A Gonzalo Higuain type of player may just remedy the problem.

At his disposal, Van Gaal has a number of players who all have different traits, especially in midfield and this is promising for next season.

Ander Herrera, Daley Blind, Maraoune Fellaini, Juan Mata and even Michael Carrick are all unique in their own way and complement each other’s style of play. Despite the club being linked to Germany midfielder Ilkay Gundogan, they definitely have enough quality already in that area.

They still have problems at the back. Although Mats Hummels has been consistently linked, it is just another ‘name’. Reports which suggest United could move for Lazio defender Stefan de Vrij, who played under Van Gaal at last summer’s World Cup are more sensible, while his teammate Felipe Anderson is also being touted as a potential attacking midfield recruit.

Bottom line? United don’t need major changes, though a definitive strategy in the upcoming transfer window will make the world of difference for next season.