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5 potential Manchester United deadline day transfers

By Rucker Haringey

LISBON, PORTUGAL - JANUARY 23: Benfica's midfielder Renato Sanches during the match between SL Benfica and FC Arouca at Estadio da Luz on January 23, 2016 in Lisbon, Portugal. (Photo by Carlos Rodrigues/Getty Images)
LISBON, PORTUGAL - JANUARY 23: Benfica's midfielder Renato Sanches during the match between SL Benfica and FC Arouca at Estadio da Luz on January 23, 2016 in Lisbon, Portugal. (Photo by Carlos Rodrigues/Getty Images) /
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DORTMUND, GERMANY – DECEMBER 10: Ilkay Guendogan of Dortmund is seen prior to the UEFA Europa League group C match between Borussia Dortmund and PAOK FC at Signal Iduna Park on December 10, 2015 in Dortmund, Germany. (Photo by Christof Koepsel/Bongarts/Getty Images)
DORTMUND, GERMANY – DECEMBER 10: Ilkay Guendogan of Dortmund is seen prior to the UEFA Europa League group C match between Borussia Dortmund and PAOK FC at Signal Iduna Park on December 10, 2015 in Dortmund, Germany. (Photo by Christof Koepsel/Bongarts/Getty Images) /

5. Buy Ilkay Gundogan

There’s more to attract Gundogan than just irritating his former manager Jurgen Klopp if you’re a United fan. He’s a world-class footballer who can slot immediately into the problematic midfield at Old Trafford.

Gundogan is a name that’s been linked with Manchester United repeatedly over the past year. There were strong rumors of United’s interest in the summer and the Express even went so far as to report that a deal was imminent back in June. The move didn’t come off, but it’s believed that United’s interest in the Dortmund main remains strong.

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The 25-year-old German midfielder has been playing well for Dortmund this year, and is actually the club’s third-highest rated player in Bundesliga play per Whoscored.com. He could come in and make an immediate impact for van Gaal’s side.

He could contribute as either a defensive midfielder or a number 10 for United. Initially, it appears that the better fit would be to deploy him alongside Morgan Schneiderlin in the defensive midfield. That could turn the club’s worrying double-pivot from a weakness to a strength immediately.

The challenge will be convincing Dortmund to part with their prize. They’re under no pressure to sell and it will take a big-time offer to convince them to part with Gundogan. Lucky for United fans, they’ve got the funds to make that kind of offer if properly motivated.

Next: 4. Sell Marouane Fellaini

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