It’s certainly been a much better season for Manchester United and their fans as the club secured a return to the Champions League after a year’s absence thanks to their fourth placed finish.
But while it’s been decent a first campaign in charge for Louis van Gaal, the United boss knows he has an important summer ahead of him as he looks to strengthen his squad one more to ensure his side can put together a serious title challenge next season, something they will certainly be expected to do.
There have already been some early changes announced at Old Trafford, with the club capturing one of Dutch football’s brightest talents in Memphis Depay, while Columbian striker Radamel Falcao has been told his loan spell from Monaco won’t be made permanent after failing to impress this year.
The Dutchman is believed to be keen on improving a number of areas within the squad, and one of those places in question is the right-back spot, a position that he could well be targeting this summer.
Barcelona star Dani Alves has been heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford in recent weeks, and could be the man Van Gaal is targeting to fill the right side of his defence.
But is this something that would prove beneficial to United?
Alves has been a tremendous servant to Catalan giants during his seven years at Barca, and has once again been an important part of their bid to win a famous treble this season.
But having failed to agree a new deal at the Nou Camp, the Brazilian is set to leave the club on a free transfer this summer, with the Red Devils said to be leading the race.
He may well be 32-years-old, but with question marks over the right back spot at United, he is a player that could certainly prove useful next season.
The fact he would arrive on a free is certainly a huge plus, and given his ability and level of experience at the top level he could turn out to be a great signing.
His quality on the ball and ability to get up and down the pitch would ensure he fits right into Van Gaal’s style of play at Old Trafford and he will definitely add to their attacking threat.
His defensive ability has always been questioned, but with United employing Antonio Valencia at right-back for much of the season you’d have to argue his signing would strengthen the starting 11.
Valencia has done a decent job for the side, overtaking Rafael in the pecking order, but he’s not an out-an-out right back unlike the Barca man, meaning his place could be under threat.
The increased number of games means the Reds need to ensure they have sufficient depth in their squad to compete in all competitions, and again this is something Alves will add with his arrival providing United have sufficient options for this position.
Having had little luck so far in pursuit of Southampton star Nathaniel Clyne, should United fail to capture the Saints defender then signing Alves will surely be seen as an even better option for the next couple of seasons.
His presence in arguably Europe’s best team highlights what a top player he still is, and the chance to bring in a potential Champions League winner in a couple of weeks, is an opportunity United should be looking to take.
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