Louis van Gaal to splash the cash in January
Published:
Manchester United fans will look forward to the January transfer window with anticipation after manager Louis van Gaal revealed he is in the market for one more player.
Responding to questions about his squad size, the Dutchman recently explained that while he prefers to operate with a smaller squad, he is still one player short of what he needs to compete on all fronts this season.
“I believe in smaller squads because you need perspective otherwise the motivation is a doubt,” the Red Devils boss said.
“I have always preferred small selections. I think 22 players and three goalkeepers is enough so I am still one short.”
With Chris Smalling coming of age this season and plenty of options in midfield many will take Van Gaal’s words as a hint that a new striker could be the target when the window opens.
Having seen Robin van Persie, Javier Hernandez and Radamel Falcao depart this summer United are left with just three senior strikers.
Wayne Rooney and Anthony Martial are in fine form at present but an injury to either man would see young James Wilson thrown in at the deep end.
Reports earlier today suggest that United have not been put off a pursuit of Tottenham’s Harry Kane despite the England man failing to reach the same high standards he set last season.
Rumours of a £50m bid in the summer persist, but those plans would be brought forward if either Rooney or Martial were to be sidelined.
News of Van Gaal’s intended shopping spree could further motivate £36m man Martial and the Frenchman will get the chance to cement his burgeoning status among United fans with a derby goal this weekend.
The former Monaco man has hit the five goal mark in just nine games – 30 games quicker than Cristiano Ronaldo – and is just 2/1 to add to that tally with an anytime strike against City at Old Trafford this weekend.
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