da bet7： “I honestly believe we will go far next year and won’t be far off challenging for the league,
da bet7： “If you look at the first 10 to 11 games we only had around 13 points, and if you look at where we finished I think it shows we could have been up there with a better start.
“The most important thing is that as a squad, including the manager and myself, we believe we are close to challenging for the title and with a couple of signings in the summer we will have a good chance of doing that.”
Wayne Rooney is confident heading into next season, then. Although Manchester United rather stumbled over the line in the top four race, a return to Champions League football after one season in the wilderness and the confidence that will bring has put the Premier League title back in the crosshairs at Old Trafford.
Rooney himself has confessed that signings are needed, so which players could help United to mount a serious challenge? Well, here are FIVE…
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Nicolas Otamendi
Anyone who watched Louis van Gaal’s side last season, particularly in the opening months of the campaign, will testify that a centre-back is needed. Although by no means a cheap option with Valencia holding out for a release clause-triggering £36.2m offer, Otamendi appears to be a potentially wise addition.
A rugged and commanding defender, the Argentine offers something a little different to that United’s current options present, while his performances as Los Che finished in La Liga’s top four – no mean feat considering the competition in the division – suggest that he has the ability to contribute to a title push if in a team with quality around him.
Sergio Ramos
Even if Otamendi arrives, United could perhaps benefit from another central defender. Ramos has emerged as a somewhat surprising target of late, and claims that he’s eager to make the move are sure to have been greeted with much positivity at Old Trafford
A La Liga champion and Champions League winner at club level and one of an elite band of players to have claimed both World Cup and the European Championship medals, Ramos certainly has the credentials to suggest he could contributed to a title push.
Bastian Schweinsteiger
Another World Champion, Schweinsteiger could transform United’s midfield. With Michael Carrick due to be 34 shortly, a new central player to pull the strings could well be on LVG’s radar. The German is very much a seasoned campaigner and with eight Bundesliga medals in his collection, he certainly has the know-how when it comes to getting over the line in a domestic season.
Hugo Lloris
With David de Gea seemingly bound for Real Madrid, United will have to push a move for a new goalkeeper. Victor Valdes is a capable No.1 on his day, but with a chequered injury record in recent times it may be a wise idea for United to bring in a straight replacement for the current stopper.
Lloris is reportedly the major target at Old Trafford, and the Frenchman’s proven record with Spurs in the Premier League is encouraging for United. A top quality shot stopper and useful in the ‘sweeper keeper’ role, the ex-Lyon man seems to be an ideal replacement for De Gea.
Karim Benzema
Even though Radamel Falcao’s impact was minimal last season, his exit has left Van Gaal with a bit of an issue. With the Colombian gone, Rooney, Robin van Persie and James Wilson make up the attacking options at the Theatre of Dreams, and with the latter unproven and RVP being linked with a move away there is certainly a need for reinforcement.
Benzema, a target, has reached double figures in league action in every season since 2010/11 at Real Madrid, which is an encouraging record.