Meet the men earmarked for Van Gaal’s United overhaul

The clamour for new faces at Manchester United reached a high at the weekend with the Red Devils falling 2-1 to Swansea on the opening day of the season.

After going unbeaten in pre-season the Old Trafford outfit were expected to make light work of the Swans but in fact looked much like the same side that played under David Moyes last year.

As such, new manager Louis van Gaal is expected to splash the cash over the next two weeks and the Dutchman is being linked with a host of names.

Here are the most likely arrivals according to what the papers say.

Angel di Maria

United have been linked with Argentine all summer and the rumours have been cranked up in the wake of the Swansea defeat.

Reports now suggest that United are preparing a £100m package which includes a £50m transfer fee and top end wages to lure the Real Madrid star to Old Trafford.

PSG were thought to be at the head of the queue for Di Maria but with Van Gaal willing to pay £200,000 per week the player is said to be interested in a move to north-west.

Marcos Rojo

The Sporting Lisbon ace has been disciplined by his club after handing in a transfer request and refusing to train.

Lisbon are resigned to losing the player and Van Gaal’s interest has spiked after seeing Luke Shaw ruled out through injury but the transfer fee is proving a sticking point.

Sporting stand to only receive 25 per cent of the fee, with Rojo also owned by a third party, and as such are looking for double the £12.5m United have offered thus far.

Kevin Strootman

The Roma ace is still sidelined through injury and the Italians maintain that only a bid of £80m or more will see him leave but Van Gaal is willing to test the water after growing frustrated in his pursuit of Arturo Vidal.

The Juventus man refuses to agitate for a move and with the Old Lady reluctant to sell Strootman could prove an easier – of more expensive – target to land.

Philippe Mexes

According to Corriere dello Sport United have admitted defeat in their pursuit of Mehdi Benatia and now favour a move for experienced AC Milan defender Mexes.

The 32-year-old Frenchman has been in Serie A for 10 years and is in the final year of his contract.

The Rossoneri would be prepared to let him go for a nominal fee but questions remain if the player would quell the growing groans at Old Trafford.

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