Louis van Gaal has said Manchester United could make a “surprise” signing to bolster their striking options.
United have sold Robin van Persie to Fenerbahce while they decided against prolonging Radamel Falcao’s loan stay, with the striker instead joining Chelsea from Monaco.
Van Gaal has captain Wayne Rooney at his disposal, youngster James Wilson and also Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez looking to prove himself after being sent out on loan to Real Madrid last season.
When asked if he was worried about a lack of options up front, the Dutchman said in The Times:
“No, because still we have Rooney, he can play in the striker’s position.
“All the media had written he had to play there so I listened and now you put this question [to me] so I don’t know what you want.
“Also we have Chicharito [Hernandez] and maybe Wilson and maybe there comes a surprise. It’s a process. Hernandez is coming [to join us on the tour] on July 25.
“He can prove himself and now Falcao and Van Persie are gone so his chances are better. I’m not worried about that position.”
Van Gaal reserved praise for the attitude of Falcao, who scored four Premier League goals in 26 appearances for the club after struggling for form following a serious knee injury.
He added: “I wish him all the best because in our squad he was a fantastic, professional player but he came [to us] after being injured for a period.
“We have made him very fit but I like him very much as a person and a football player. Now he tries his luck in Chelsea and I wish him all the best.”
We have been told that United have a net transfer budget of around £150 million. That is net spend. So far United have spent just under £69m and have proceeds from sales of £9m for a net spend of just under £60m.
That leaves around £100m left to spend. But if United sell Angel Di Maria to PSG for around £60m, then suddenly United still have £150m to spend on a striker and defender. That is more than enough to attract a world class star like Gareth Bale or Sergio Ramos.
