Manchester United has opened for business this January transfer window, by completing two minor moves. No, they did not go out and get a world class striker and or winger to beef up their incredibly anemic attack. And no, they did not get a real, genuine left back to fill the void at the position created by a slew of injuries.
(Update: two reports indicate that Louis van Gaal will have another big, expensive war chest this January transfer window)
What Manchester United did do is close a couple minor deals. According to the Daily Mirror- “Louis van Gaal has taken young striker Will Keane back from his loan spell at Preston as he tries to find a solution to Manchester United’s goal drought.”
Another option could be ending the loan move of Adnan Januzaj early. He’s struggled at Borussia Dortmund and when he made an appearance at Old Trafford for the last home game, speculation about his potential return ran rampant.
Elsewhere the Daily Star reports that-
“Manchester United have confirmed goalkeeper Sam Johnstone has completed a loan move to Preston.”
Johnstone looked really good at times during United’s preseason exhibition tour of the United States, but obviously he’s not going to see the pitch any time soon in the games that really count. Obviously, the real potential transfer move that everyone is watching doesn’t involve players, but the manager. It seems like Van Gaal is safe for the time being. However, if he’s sacked, he does have this gig as a fallback option.
These two minor transactions thus far should only be the beginning. Van Gaal will need to make some improvements to his side, despite the bizarre comments he made yesterday in evaluating the year.
There’s talk that United are in for Winger Felipe Anderson again.
By the way, here’s our Man United starting XI prediction for tomorrow, and the video of the Louis van Gaal presser previewing the match.
Paul M. Banks owns, operates and sometimes writes The Sports Bank.net, which is partnered with FOX Sports Engage Network. The website is also featured on News Now.
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