Defence
Matteo Darmian
The Italian international can play anywhere across the back four, but he was mainly bought to solve Van Gaal’s right-back dilemma. Neither Rafael or Antonio Valencia convinced in this role last campaign.
Sergio Ramos
One of United’s remaining priorities is to recruit a world-class & experienced defender. Ramos is thought to want a move to Old Trafford and could be attainable if De Gea moves the other way to Madrid.
Chris Smalling
Van Gaal has plenty of competent centre-back options who could operate alongside Ramos. Smalling finished last season strongly and seems to just about have the nod over Phil Jones and Marcos Rojo.
Luke Shaw
Daley Blind would also be a trusted option at left-back, but United made Shaw the world’s most expensive teenager last summer and owe the youngster the first opportunity to nail down the spot.
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