Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has confirmed that a priority in the summer transfer window is on signing a ‘no.6 player’ – a holding midfielder – but expects to strengthen a number of key positions in his first-team set-up.
READ MORE:
Read the latest Manchester United transfer gossip!
Man Utd: 15 massive summer transfer rumours as van Gaal plots spending of £150m war chest
Their return to the top four and a place in next season’s Champions League means that Louis van Gaal is likely to spend big again in the summer, and the midfield is an area that the Dutchman admits needs addressing in the market.
Carrick has spent much of this season on the sidelines through injury, managing to make just 20 appearances all term, which has resulted in the Red Devils boss having to play striker Wayne Rooney and attacking midfielder Ander Herrera out of position in the England international’s absence.
Nonetheless, despite a no.6 among his priorities, the former Netherlands international boss certainly suggests that his focus isn’t solely on the strengthening his options in the centre of the park.
Louis van Gaal confessed, “No.6 is a key player, yes. I have more key roles – the no.6 is just one of those key roles,” as quoted by the Express.
“You have seen this season, for example, because Michael Carrick is injured and I don’t have another, I have to play with Ander Herrera there. He did it very well, but it is not his speciality,” he added.
“I have played Wayne Rooney there also, but it is not his favoured position.
“I had to do this because I don’t have another right-footed holding midfielder like Carrick.
“That is why it is a key role, but I cannot discuss other positions because then I show too much.”
One player that Louis van Gaal could target is Real Madrid’s Sami Khedira – who announced that he would be leaving the Santiago Bernabeu next month when he becomes a free agent.
The Red Devils have been linked to the Germany international throughout this season, and could still make an official bid when the summer window opens.