There has been a lot of talk as to who Louis Van Gaal will look to sign in the closing weeks of the transfer window. Yesterday, Manchester United were linked with Angel Di Maria, Daley Blind, and Marcos Rojo. All three players were top class for their respective countries in Brazil this summer, and all three would likely boost the Red Devils’ expectations for this coming season.
Louis Van Gaal needs to make it his priority to sign Marcos Rojo first and foremost, whether or not the rumors are true about his suggested move to Old Trafford. A lot has been said about the defensive midfield and left back positions. Luke Shaw is looking more than capable of being an exceptional full-time replacement for Patrice Evra and could more than shoulder the load at the position while receiving more than capable from the versatile Rojo.
The rumors surrounding Di Maria are intriguing for Red Devil fans as well, but given that even PSG were out priced on a deal for the Argentine, I doubt Manchester United would splash that kind of cash on him (most importantly, he’s not worth that kind of money). Van Gaal could look elsewhere for a wingback while Di Maria appears an unlikely option.
There are even more rumors surrounding United regarding the pivot midfielder role. Fans were calling for the likes of William Carvalho and previously Toni Kroos not too long ago, but they could very well be fine at the position. In the two central midfield positions, Van Gaal currently has Darren Fletcher, Michael Carrick, the impressive Ander Herrera, and possibly Marouane Fellaini, depending on whether the rumors are true about him being forced out of Manchester.
Given Van Gaal adds at least one center back, Phil Jones could be available in that position too. Daley Blind is a superb player and is very familiar with the manager, but he’s not the right player United need in this situation. Yes, he fills two roles very well, and Van Gaal very well could buy him, but Ajax are holding out for 20 million pounds. Even though Blind has expressed interest in playing for United, that doesn’t mean right away, and definitely doesn’t mean Ajax will let him go easily.
Ander Herrera looks like a box-to-box star in the making, while Fletcher looks revitalized in the new tactical formation. Carrick will likely feature heavily, and Fellaini looks much more determined and fit under his new manager. The holding midfield role shouldn’t be the highest on the transfer list for United either. The gaping priority at Old Trafford should be signing an additional center back.
In the three back system, United currently field Chris Smalling, Phil Jones, and Jonny Evans as their first choice defenders. It’s likely that Van Gaal will add two center backs to his squad before the window closes, but Marcos Rojo should be atop his transfer aspirations right now.
Rojo is capable of playing both left back and center back. Although he exclusively featured at left back for Argentina in the World Cup, Rojo is a seasoned center back, having been deployed there at Sporting Lisbon over the course of two solid seasons. He certainly proved his defensive merit in Brazil, contributing to a rock-solid defense. He was better than even Pablo Zabaleta, arguably the most well-rounded fullback on both ends of the field in the premier league.
There’s no doubt Van Gaal has had Rojo on his radar for quite some time, especially considering the defensive shift he put in against the Oranje in the semifinal. Rojo would not only fit nicely in the left side of Van Gaal’s defense but would also provide cover for Shaw at left wingback when necessary, a position he has more than proved himself at.
Furthermore, the combination of speed and discipline between defensive partnerships is proving to be a common occurrence these days. Laurent Koscielny provides much cover in the form of speed for Per Mertesacker, while David Luiz previously played the same role alongside John Terry or Gary Cahill. Van Gaal is a smart manager and probably already has a feel for how the league works. Certain ideas work, and certain don’t. Marcos Rojo would not only be a hugely talented addition, but he fits Van Gaals system very well and is suited to play a versatile role for the Red Devils in the league.
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