EPL: Who Needs What In Summer Transfer Window?

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Aug 6, 2014; Portland, OR, USA; Bayern Munich forward Robert Lewandowski (left) battles for the ball with MLS All Stars defenseman Michael Parkhurst (23) of the Columbus Crew during the 2014 MLS All Star Game at Providence Park. Mandatory Credit: Scott Olmos-USA TODAY Sports /

Manchester United

Players In:

Memphis Depay – PSV

Matteo Darmian – Torino

Morgan Schneiderlin – Southampton

Bastian Schweinsteiger – Bayern Munich

Players Out:

Robin van Persie – Fenerbahce

Nani – Fenerbahce

Saidy Janko – Celtic

Tom Cleverley – Everton

Man United mean business this season and they have put their money where their mouth is already this summer. Their ambition is matched by their available funds and they have moved quickly to add some key players to their squad.

Both Morgan Schneiderlin and Bastian Schweinsteiger add some sorely needed metal to their midfield and both players are from the top drawer. Memphis Depay is less of a wild card than some might expect, as he has proven his qualities on the International stage as well as the Dutch league.

Striker

Jul 26, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Manchester United forward Wayne Rooney (10) during the first half versus AS Roma at Sports Authority Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /

Louis van Gaal has set pulses racing with the promise of a new signing at striker, but one that Man United haven’t already been linked with in the press. Now this could mean an established striker who simply wasn’t considered viable or a youngster who is promising but still relatively unknown.

One possibility is Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who would not only be a fantastic addition to Man United, but the Premier League as a whole. With Wayne Rooney now promised a central striker role, it is difficult to imagine that Ibrahimovic would be happy to play second fiddle to the United captain.

The tease from van Gaal rules out a number of players who have been heavily linked with a move to Man United, including Robert Lewandowski and Karim Benzema. Thomas Muller has apparently been the subject of a bid, but again who wouldn’t come under the category of a ‘surprise’ signing.

Defender

One of van Gaal’s many philosophies is playing left footed players at left center back and right footed players at right center back, especially in a back three. I think he will look to add to his center back options and if he doesn’t it might suggest he is going to revert to a four at the back system primarily in the coming season.

Nicolas Otamendi still seems like a very viable option and the Argentine center back not only had a stellar season with Valencia, but would also slot in next to his counterpart Marcos Rojo. The real question is whether the likes of Phil Jones, Chris Smalling and Jonny Evans are title-winning center back options.

Next: Southampton's activity and requirements

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