We need wingers! Five targets Van Gaal could sign to replace Mata, Lingard and Depay



Jesse Lingard (left) and Juan Mata both scored for Man Utd on Saturday



LOUIS VAN GAAL is on the lookout for fast players.

 

Despite spending around £250million on signings since his arrival Van Gaal insists he needs more recruits.

United beat West Brom 2-0 at the weekend to move to within two points of league leaders Manchester City and Arsenal.

And Van Gaal is already eyeing up January transfers.

"I have said already in my first year many times we need speed and creativity on the wings," he said.

“You have seen that now we play with Jesse Lingard and he is not the most speedy winger in the world and Mata is also not the most speedy winger in the world.

“So first we must first finish that problem and then we can see how we have to play and how we are in balance with playing with speedy wingers.”

So, who could Van Gaal sign to play out wide or up front for United?

Here are United's top five attacking targets…

 

1) Cristiano Ronaldo

Manchester United's former star is looking for a move. Ronaldo has been at Real Madrid since his £80m transfer from Old Trafford in 2009 and next summer he is likely to quit the Bernabeu.

United are known suitors of Ronaldo, crowned world footballer of the year three times, but so are PSG. A January bid is unlikely but if Van Gaal wants creativity across his forward line then the 30-year-old is the man to provide it.

Ronaldo effectively won United the Premier League title in his last season in 2009 and the Portuguese has lost none of his flare, speed or passion over six years at Real.

 

2) Gareth Bale

Welsh wizard Bale endured an uncertain summer as Real Madrid considered selling their world record signing.

The 26-year-old failed to impress over the latter half of last season and this term injuries have hampered his progression.

Now into his third season at the Bernabeu, Bale is reportedly open to moving back to England if the opportunity arose. Real are keen to spend money in January and could raise much-needed cash with Bale's sale.

The former Tottenham ace is known for his sharp mind and turn of pace and would certainly offer Van Gaal the outlet he desires down the left and through the middle.

 



United tried to sign Sadio Mane (left) in the summer



3) Sadio Mane

Southampton prefer to use Mane in a central position but the versatile midfielder can more than hack it on the wing.

United tried to sign Mane, 23, in the summer after Chelsea hijacked their bid for Barcelona's Pedro.

Saints rejected two bids for their star man as club bosses held out for a reported £40m fee that was way beyond United's valuation.

Van Gaal could go back in for the player again this winter, although Southampton will no doubt put up a strong fight.

 

4) Neymar

Will he stay at Barcelona or won't he? United's bid for Neymar in the summer was worth a reported £139m but the Nou Camp club refused to consider the offer.

The Brazil international has greatly impressed in the absence of Lionel Messi over the past few weeks and a new contract is understood to have been drawn up.

But the 23-year-old is said to be growing frustrated in Spain and has yet to pen his new deal, with United understood to be preparing another bid this winter.

 

Riyad Mahrez (right) has impressed at Leicester this season

5) Riyad Mahrez

Leicester's goalscoring sensation Jamie Vardy has a rival in Mahrez, who has bagged seven league goals for the Foxes already this season.

Mahrez, 24, joined the club from Le Havre in January last year but only this season has he shot to notoriety.

United, along with Arsenal, are said to be keen on the Algerian, who would come in cheaper than other midfield options.

His agent has already insisted he won't be leaving the King Power Stadium, stating: "Riyad is very happy at Leicester and he just signed a new contract at the club last month.

"Riyad is not thinking about the rumours and is focused on his season with Leicester and wants to continue his fine form."

But the temptations of playing European football may be too much for the ace, as Barcelona also reportedly show their interest.