It was always going to be a difficult season for Manchester United. The odds of winning the Premier League were always going to be slim but nobody, including David Moyes, anticipated things at Old Trafford would get so bad this season.
Transfer debacle after transfer debacle ensued during last summer leaving Moyes’ men very thin, and the Red Devils are currently suffering from their worst home record in over a decade.
The Scot and Ed Woodward will be desperate to turn things around this summer and the pair have already confirmed there will be a number of changes at the club before the start of the next campaign. But who should be on United’s radar this summer?
Julian Draxler (FC Schalke 04)
United would face stiff competition if they’re going to land Schalke star Draxler, particularly if they fail to qualify for next season’s Champions League. The 20-year-old is being touted as the next big thing in Germany and could prove to be a key man for the national side this summer who are amongst the favourites to win the tournament in Brazil.
The player has a £37million buy-out clause in his contract and could fit perfectly into a United side who have been struggling for quality in the wide areas this year.
Koke (Atletico Madrid)
Another face Moyes has had his eye on for some time and could prove to be the long-term answer to United’s problems. The midfield area is one United must sure up this summer if they are to challenge again next season and at just 22, Koke could develop into a real star.
The Spaniard is a delightful passer of the ball and would be a perfect fit in between and the likes of Rooney, Van Persie, and Mata up top. It would take more than a small fortune to prize the player away from Atletico Madrid however, after he signed a new contract with the club, upping his release clause to £50million.
Luke Shaw (Southampton)
It’s no secret that left-back is a serious problem for United. Evra is way past his best and Buttner and the now departed Fabio still couldn’t keep him out of the side. The Red’s premier target Baines, seems to have committed to Everton, so 18-year-old Shaw could be the next in line.
The Southampton man has impressed greatly this season and could be an outside bet for the England World Cup squad. Wherever he ends up, he needs snapping up quickly before his price tag rockets.
Ilkay Gundogan (Borussia Dortmund)
Joey Barton has compared the Dortmund midfielder to Scholes, and if there’s one figure United are missing, it’s Paul Scholes. Gundogan hasn’t played in six months but is a technically sound playmaker who is as close as the Reds are going to get to the Ginger Pele.
Unlike other targets, Gundogan could be seriously interested in moving to Salford too, with the German international’s father claiming he’s ready to leave Jurgen Klopp’s side behind.
Joel Veltman (Ajax)
It’s going to be a difficult challenge replacing Ferdinand and Vidic but one Moyes is going to have to tackle this summer. The club are already light at centre-half with Carrick having to step in on a number of occasions so a move for Ajax’s star man seems an obvious choice.
All the Premier League’s big guns have shown an interest in Netherlands international but United could be his landing point should coach and former United favourite Jaap Stam hold any sway.
