5 players Manchester United need

With less than 60 days to go to the start of the season, everyone and their mother have been linked with a transfer to Manchester United. For a team that finished in 7thposition last season, it may seem improbable that the likes of Robben, Kroos etc.would want to join a team without Champions League football. But a rich history, a rumoured $200 million war chest and the honour of working with one of the greatest managers in Louis Van Gaal makes it easier for United to approach players than they did last season.There is a need to start rebuilding. The buying of players has to be done in a carefully planned manner, or else it may be years before we see United again in the European elite. Wasting 30-50 million on players that United do not need would spell the start of the end for a club of such great stature. So lets look as the players that United need to buy.Feel free to join in the discussion as to who you think would be best suited for Manchester United, keeping it within the realm of realistic targets.

#1 Luke Shaw

Everyone knows it, but it still needs to be said. Luke Shaw should be United’s priority signing for the summer. With Evra’s career on its last legs and Buttner reportedly off to Russia, it is of utmost importance that United fill this void with a suitable replacement, and there is no replacement more suitable that Luke Shaw.

He is a bombarding wing back who can delicately balance his defensive duties with his attacking prowess. The constant runs down the Southampton left wing all of last season has been a joy to watch. Added, at the tender age of 18, United are getting a player who could play at the top level for the next 10-12 years.

#2 Mats Hummels

Often lauded as the most complete defenders in Europe, Mats Hummels is one of the most versatile centre-backs in football. Starring for Dortmund in the past season, Hummels has cemented his place as a fearless warrior in the heart of defense. Hummels has an extraordinary skill of passing the ball when in possession and is instrumental in starting counter attacks. He is fearless in a tackle, but never rash. His on-the-field judgement is second to none. He is also a powerful header of the ball, as evident from his excellent goal against Portugal.

With Vidic and Ferdinand leaving, and the abilities of Evans, Smalling and Jones in question, it is paramount that United procure the services of Hummels to make him the cornerstone of the defence.

#3 Kevin Strootman

It still amazes me how Moyes and Woodward overlooked Strootman last summer at the dirt cheap price of 17 million Euros. Strootman in the space of the last couple of years has become one of the best box-to-box midfielder who is capable for filling the gaping hole left by Roy Keane and Paul Scholes in the centre of the park.

Well known for his tough tackling ways with a strong physical presence in the middle, he is exactly the type of player United need, and Louis van Gaal would know his style better than anyone. But Strootman is currently recovering from a long term knee injury which is expected to keep him out till at least August. However, the risk would be worth taking as he could be the enforcer that United have long been searching for.

#4 Marco Reus

Manchester United has always relied on pace on their wings to build attacks. From the days of a young Ryan Giggs to seeing Cristiano Ronaldo tear up the flanks, playing through their pacy wingers has often been termed as the United way. But with Valencia, Nani and Young currently the only out and out winger in the first team, United have next to no threat on the wings. The emergence of Januzaj has helped matter but so much pressure should not be rested upon his young shoulders.

Marco Reus could well be the answers to United prayers. He has proven himself to be one of the best wingers and playmakers in the world. On his day, Reus is unstoppable and is capable of providing pin point crosses. With 16 goals and 13 assists in 35 games last season, Reus almost single handedly salvaged the Dortmund team. Other than pace, Reus has a mean long shot which more often than not ends up in the back of the net.

It would be difficult to pry him away from Dortmund, especially after the loss of Lewandowski and Gotze to Bayern in successive seasons, but United must target Reus if they want to succeed.

#5 Eliaquim Mangala

The France international has been on everyone’s radar for a year. At 6’2” and with an imposing physique, he could form a part of a strong United defense for years to come.

Currently coveted by rivals Manchester City, United would love to steal this player from their advances. Mangala has proven himself to be a reliable defender & is good on the ball. The player himself wants a move to the Premier League & Manchester United should jump at this chance.