Manchester United fans are growing more and more restless with the current regime at their club. The dreams of competing for the title disappeared months ago and they are struggling to hold their own against the likes of West Ham. The Red Devils have fallen from the stratosphere into big club mediocrity since Alex Ferguson left and are in danger of repeating Liverpool’s 1990s mistakes.
Louis van Gaal is possibly on the edge of the sack at Old Trafford. The Dutch boss is teetering on the brink as the side looks about to end the season with an FA Cup final being their biggest achievement, it is easy to see why people think that is just not enough for a club with the worldwide reputation of Manchester United.
Football hasn’t been a joy in Manchester this season. Whilst City’s struggles may have cheered up a few of the United stragglers, their own team’s on-pitch performances have been snore-worthy.
What will it take for LVG to reinvent this team? Maybe these FIVE…
Thiago Alcantara
Thiago has been linked with United for several summers now. However, the recent Bayern signing of Renato Sanches – who United also wanted – may mean that the Bavarians are more open to moving on their Spanish playmaker.
Remaining injury-free is the biggest challenge for Thiago and, when he has done that, he has been one of the best in Europe. United’s current midfield options lack a creative edge to their game and Thiago, who produced 2.6 key passes per Champions League game this season, would offer just that.
William Carvalho
Louis van Gaal has a penchant for defensive midfielders, doesn’t he?
Bastian Schweinsteiger, Michael Carrick and Morgan Schneiderlin have all played regularly throughout this season, but, with two of them ageing, it is time to sign a replacement. Carvalho can fill in at centre-back if required and he has time on his side to settle in to English football.
Alexis Sanchez
As good as Jesse Lingard has been, Manchester United need another natural wide player.
Juan Mata is not effective from the wing and United often seem short of regular goalscorers. Alexis Sanchez would provide them with both of these, whether playing from the left or right.
The pace, eye for goal and sensational work ethic of Sanchez would add an extra dimension to Van Gaal’s side.
Angelo Ogbonna
West Ham’s over-achievement this season has largely been down to the performances of Angelo Ogbonna.
Considered a future star when at Torino, Ogbonna’s move to Juventus stalled his career somewhat. Fortunately, he has picked up where he left off and has been one of the best defenders in the Premier League this season.
Ogbonna is a pacey, powerful centre-half and would be an ideal partner for Chris Smalling.
Yannick Ferreira-Carrasco
Ferreira-Carrasco is one of the quickest players in La Liga right now and one of the most dangerous wingers in Europe.
Having just been named in the Belgium squad for this summers EUROs, Carrasco is ready to take the step to the pinnacle of European football. In and out of the Atletico team, he has only contributed four goals in the league this season.
The best dribbler in Simeone’s squad, Carrasco would provide United with the sort of wide threat that they have sorely missed.
