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At the end of a weekend where other contenders for the top 4 spot slipped, Manchester United capitalized to grind out a win and sit pretty on the 3rd spot in the Premier League.While a 5-match-winning streak has given fans belief again, they were given another boost last week with news regarding the 200 million budget that will be available to Louis Van Gaal next summer. And as the reputation of the former Barcelona and Ajax boss suggests, Louis Van Gaal could land some marquee players again.Even though they have the likes of Ander Herrera and Fellaini in their midfield, Manchester United are not on the same level if you look at the options available at their neighbours Manchester City and rivals Chelsea. Thus, as Van Gaal says that he will bring back the good old days at the club, a world class midfielder at the centre of it is a much needed requirement.Here are 4 midfielders Manchester United can sign next summer with the £200million budget.Disclaimer: The views expressed here are those of the author and do not reflect those of the website.
#1 Sami Khedira
Although Sami Khedira’s contract with Real Madrid expires next summer, it is expected that Los Blancos would offer him a contract extension in the coming months. But with the quality available in Real Madrid’s midfield with Toni Kroos and Luka Modric at the heart of it, a contract extension won’t grant the German a first team place. And even if Modric is currently out injured, Madrid are reportedly looking for his replacement in the transfer market which indicates their lack of trust in Khedira.
That is exactly the reason why Manchester United should go for him as Khedira is itching for a move. With Arsenal also in the hunt to sign the German, Manchester United will have to act quickly if they want his signature.
But considering the fact that Bayern Munich are also watching the situation closely in case he fails to sign a contract extension, Manchester United should act quickly to land his signature.
#2 Kevin Strootman
Another player whose World Cup dream was over with a nightmare injury to his knee, the Dutchman at 24 years of age could solve their midfield crisis in the long term. And even though he hasn’t managed the full 90 minutes this season as he looks set to recover from his injury, it is expected that the former PSV Eindhoven midfielder will come good once he puts his injury doubts behind.
The former PSV midfielder is currently playing for Serie A title aspirants Roma in Italy. He was a vital part of Roma squad last season that nearly won the title. Before injuring his knee in March last season, an injury that ended his World Cup dream, the Dutchman managed 5 goals and 6 assists from his deep lying role in midfield .
Another reason why Manchester United should sign Strootman is the ability of Van Gaal to rely on youngsters as the Manchester United boss is known for his ability to pick young talent. Teams like Real Madrid and Barcelona have benefitted largely from young midfielders this season, and Manchester United would be hoping to do the same next season.
#3 Arturo Vidal
Although the Chilean has been linked with Manchester United for most times than we can guess, Vidal deserves the applause he is getting from the English media. At the back of a the 2014 World Cup performance in which he contributed largely to take his side through to the Round of 16, Vidal has been playing brilliantly this season under a new manager.
In 11 appearances so far this season for the reigning Italian Champions Juventus, Vidal has combined well with the likes of Pogba and Pirlo in Juventus’ midfield. And being a part of squad that had to deal with the resignation of Antonio Conte, Vidal has been a major reason why Juventus are on top of the Serie A.
Vidal has managed to score 4 goals and get 3 assists to his name so far. In addition to the stability that Vidal will provide to the Red Devils in midfield, his knack of scoring goals distinguishes him from most of the top midfielders in the Premier League.
And comparing his performances with those at Manchester United, only Wayne Rooney has scored more goals than the Italian as all of the Manchester United midfielders rank below him. So if the news regarding a £200 million budget available to Van Gaal is true, the Dutchman should spend on Arturo Vidal.
#4 Paul Pogba
A former Manchester United rookie who left after being under-rated by Sir Alex Ferguson, Paul Pogba has been a loyal servant to Juventus FC since then. Since making his debut for the Bianconeri in the 2012/13 season at the tender age of 19, Paul Pogba has gone on to become an important part of their squad that has won back-to-back Serie A titles.
With a commanding stature in midfield which is catalysed by his ability to score unorthodox goals, it was just a matter of time before Pogba became a fan favourite for Juventus fans. Although his first season at the club wasn’t ideal as he started just 3 matches, Pogba has earned a place in the heart of Juventus midfield along with Andrea Pirlo and Arturo Vidal with his constant hard work and persistent improvement in his game .
Pogba has been in the form of his life this season with four goals to his name already. Since he plays for a Juventus side that plays with a similar game-plan to Louis Van Gaal, Pogba’s reunion with Manchester United can be fruitful for the Red Devils.
