Manchester United transfer news: Could this be how Louis van Gaal's side line up next season?

Could Mats Hummels join Memphis Depay in the new look side?

Mark Critchley
Friday 08 May 2015 05:36 EDT
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Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal
Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal (Getty Images)

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Louis van Gaal has already snapped up his first signing of the summer by agreeing a deal to sign PSV Eindhoven's young star Memphis Depay.

The 21 year-old has been a long-term target for Manchester United, with a move initially hinted at last summer while he was playing under Van Gaal for the Netherlands at the World Cup finals.

The Dutch manager will now looking to secure more new additions to his squad as his rebuilding project at the club continues apace.

So, who could be next to arrive at Old Trafford? If all goes to plan, this could be the side which lines up there next season.

Manchester United's potential 2015/16 XI
Manchester United's potential 2015/16 XI

Hugo Lloris

David de Gea still does not seem to know whether he's staying or going and, wisely, Van Gaal has started to prepare for the Spaniard's exit. Lloris would be his preferred replacement and signing the Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper would mean still boast of having the division's best goalkeeper.

Nathaniel Clyne

The Southampton right-back has a multitude of suitors to choose from at the moment but it is believed that he favours a move to Old Trafford. Clyne, who won his first international cap last November, could establish himself in a position that has been a problem for the club since Gary Neville's slow decline into retirement began some eight years ago.

Phil Jones

The form of the ex-Blackburn Rovers man has been integral to his side's fortunes this season. Although still prone to lapses in concentration and moments of clumsiness, it cannot be ignored that, of the 20 games that Jones has started under Louis van Gaal, United have lost just three. This dependability may just give him the edge over Chris Smalling next term.

Mats Hummels

Mats Hummels in action for Borussia Dortmund
Mats Hummels in action for Borussia Dortmund (Getty Images)

A transfer that has been on the cards for as long as Depay's, if not longer, is that of Mats Hummels to Old Trafford. Having seen his most talented teammates and now even his manager Jürgen Klopp orchestrate their exits from the club, this World Cup winner's will surely follow.

Louis van Gaal's interest in Nicolas Otamendi, another centre-back, is no secret. His club Valencia are determined to keep hold of the 27 year-old and will reportedly only sell for £36.8 million.

Luke Shaw

Before picking up his eighth injury of the season, the 19 year-old had impressed at Stamford Bridge and shone out in an otherwise dismal team performance at Goodison Park. If he can stay off the treatment table next year, it should be the campaign where he makes the left-back berth his own.

Ander Herrera

Dynamic, hard-working and rapidly becoming a fan favourite. Herrera has come on leaps and bounds in the second half of the season after a spluttering start to his United career. He now looks set to make up part of United's midfield for years to come.

Juan Mata

Juan Mata has played his way back into his manager's plans
Juan Mata has played his way back into his manager's plans (Getty Images)

The diminutive Spaniard has played his way back into Van Gaal's side having endured an uncertain few months in the middle of the season. His performance in March's 2-1 victory over Liverpool bought him a lot of time with Van Gaal and supporters alike, but the will need to play with a little more consistency next year if he is to fully establish himself as his side's chief creative force.

Marouane Fellaini

The third and arguably most improved of United's central midfield triumvirate. Having finally established himself at the club and proved his worth as a box-to-box battering ram, it would be a surprise if he were not integral to Van Gaal's plans for the next campaign.

Memphis Depay

Despite interest from Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain, the club's latest signing was only ever likely to make one move. Depay loves to play under Van Gaal and regards his new boss at United as something of a father-figure, having disowned his own and scrubbed the surname from the back of his shirt.

The 21 year-old has scored 24 goals in 38 appearances so far this season and will be looking to have a similarly explosive impact in his first year at Old Trafford.

Gareth Bale

Gareth Bale has struggled for consistency at Real Madrid
Gareth Bale has struggled for consistency at Real Madrid (Getty Images)

It just does not seem to working out for the Welshman. His timid performance against Juventus on Tuesday night was one of the most disappointing yet. he was roundly criticised from all quarters, despite the fact he was returning from a calf injury and was far from the team's worst performer.

He remains determined to stay on in Madrid and has the backing of the club president Florentino Perez, who sees Bale as something of a protégé, but why should he continue to play in the shadow of Cristiano Ronaldo when he could shine brightly back in the Premier League?

Wayne Rooney

With Robin van Persie and Radamel Falcao's futures far from certain, next season may see the end of Wayne Rooney's cameos in midfield and the return of him as a permanent focal point. It would suit the England captain who, despite a recent drop-off in form, plays more consistently in his favoured position.

Danny Ings, who can be snapped up this summer for a compensation fee following the expiration of his contract with Burnley, may be brought in to offer competition up front.

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