For a manager used to making headlines, there has been little to shout about with Louis van Gaal's transfer policy this summer.
Bastian Schweinsteiger, Sergio Romero and Memphis Depay have worked under the Dutch coach previously while Morgan Schneiderlin and Matteo Darmian fill holes in the first team.
Van Gaal spoke of strengthening "at least two positions" before going on tour. With Romero signed already, the expected arrival of Pedro would meet that wish.
If that neatly meet's the coach's wish of two quality players for every position, it does not appear convincing.
Antonio Valencia and Daley Blind do not seem fully round pegs to fill the ranks in right-back and centre-back respectively. More of a concern is the dearth of strength in the first team.
Last summer Manchester United's buys were branded 'Gaalacticos' as Angel di Maria and Radamel Falcao were ushered through the doors. Ed Woodward boasted about giving the manager free rein to smash the transfer record.
"Whether it’s a record or not doesn’t really resonate with us," he said. "What resonates is that a top, top, elite player, that the manager wants, is going to be a star for Manchester United."
This summer Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale and Sergio Ramos have all been chased in vain and by the time the transfer window closes, United could be down to one world-class player. And he still has to answer questions over his fitness, with former manager Pep Guardiola among those highlighting injuries.
Amid the titters over Angel di Maria's medical, Roy Keane was on the money about United's backbone.
“I don’t think the spine of United [is good enough]," he said.
"I don’t think United have enough about them; Liverpool certainly haven’t. Chelsea are the team to beat; with the strongest spine."
Source : Manchestereveningnews
Source : Manchestereveningnews
