The transfer window is well and truly in full swing now, as all the Premier League’s big guns look to improve their squads ahead of the new campaign.
Although most are active, Louis van Gaal’s Manchester United are well and truly in the mix, and have had a very busy few days.
United have moved to strengthen their midfield for next season with two quality signings. World Cup winner Bastian Schweinsteiger has joined from Bayern Munich for around £14m and he was swiftly followed by Southampton midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin, who has switched to Old Trafford for around £25m.
Both players will likely form a central midfield trio, alongside Spaniard Ander Herrera next season.
It has not been all about the incomings at Old Trafford, though. One major departure is Robin van Persie who has penned a deal with Fenerbache.
His departure leaves LVG with a major problem in attack, as, currently, the only fit strikers at the club are captain Wayne Rooney and youngster James Wilson.
The Dutch manager’s next target has to be a big name striker to fill the void Van Persie leaves.
They have been linked with a number of Europe’s top strikers, but the answer to all United’s attacking problems may well be a little closer to home. Aston Villa striker Christian Benteke is the perfect signing for Manchester United.
The Belgian has been the subject of intense interest from Liverpool of late, with the Reds, according to almost daily reports, chasing his signature.
However Old Trafford would be the best destination for the player, as he has a number of qualities that make him the ideal man to lead the attack next season.
Benteke is a proven Premier League goalscorer, he has scored 49 goals in 101 appearances for Villa, a quality return considering he was often starved of quality service at Villa. The 25 year old is a strong, intelligent striker with great aerial ability and a sharp eye for goal, which has allowed him to register such a record.
So just imagine the striker’s potential when working alongside some of the world-class players Manchester United have. Players like Rooney, Schweinsteiger, Mata, Di Maria, Depay and Schneiderlin will be there to provide quality service, and that would surely bring great rewards.
Having a big target man will also suit Van Gaal’s tactics – it is evident from many of last season’s performances that the former Holland manager has no problem with turning to direct football when in need of a goal.
Benteke could also form a formidable partnership with Rooney, with both forwards possessing playing styles that compliment one another. Rooney is the engine of the United strike force, the player is constantly on the move, often coming deep to collect the ball and play in his team-mates, whilst Benteke is a big target man who can hold the ball up and provide knock downs for Rooney and co to latch onto.
Together they tick all the boxes and could could go on to form another of the great United strike pairings like Andy Cole and Dwight Yorke.
United will have to move quick, though, before their rivals step their pursuit up to the next level.
