World Cup round up: Any players heading to Manchester United?

Brazil v Chile: Round of 16 - 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil
Arturo Vidal has been linked with a move to Manchester United from Juventus since the World Cup

Alas, it is all over. One of the best World Cup Finals in living memory has finally ended. England were humbled, Holland were brilliant and Brazil’s collapse was astounding. We saw Miroslav Klose overtake Ronaldo as the tournaments all top top goal scorer with sixteen goals, we witnessed one of the great volleys of all time, which was then followed by an even better one from James Rodriguez of Colombia, and of course we saw Manchester United’s new manager in action with Holland and he was a penalty kick, or two, away from the World Cup final.

So, which players impressed you? Who failed to deliver? Most importantly, can you see any of these stars at Manchester United next season? Here we take a look at some of the star performers and comment on the transfer rumours linking them with the club.

With United heading to the US for the 2014 summer tour, opening against LA Galaxy on July 23rd – there will surely be a burst of transfer activity as Louis van Gaal takes the reigns to reestablish the club at the top of the domestic hierarchy and also obtaining a place in Europe’s premier elite next season. Toni Kroos was heavily linked with a move to United when David Moyes was in charge, however – the new boss opted against pursing the German star – who today announced he would be joining Real Madrid following his impressive World Cup campaign.

Luke Shaw and Ander Herrera have already joined the club from Southampton and Athletic Bilbao respectively, will any of the following be heading to Old Trafford anytime soon? –

Mats Hummels
Like a new rugged character on Game of Thrones, the tall powerful centre half had an extremely impressive tournament, notching the winner against the French and keeping four clean sheets along the way. With Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand departed, the Borussia Dortmund defender would be an ideal partner for Jonny Evans, Chris Smalling or Phil Jones as the club look to the future following one of the most successful centre half pairings the club has ever seen.

Hummels has been linked with a move to the club from a number of different sources but could cost up to £30 million with the German club, who are in the Champions League next season, having no obligation to sell.

Angel Di Maria
The skilfully gangly Count Duckula lookalike Angel Di Maria has long been linked with a move to the club, including a potential swap with Luis Nani back in December 2009 (although the Portuguese winger then went on to have his best season and a half in a red shirt). The rabona loving versatile Argentine scored a vitally important goal for his country before picking up a thigh injury in the 1-0 victory over Belgium. Would be exceptional at United, either on the wing or tucked into a midfield three, the current Real Madrid man glides past players with ease.

Having eulogised over him enough, Di Maria has been heavily linked, in some papers, with a £50 million move to French champions PSG, although the same publication then state the Argentine wants a Premier League switch. Funny what twenty four hours in football can do!

Arjen Robben
Like a beautiful woman quickly wanting to distance herself from an average looking Joe, the Dutch forward gave a ‘thanks but no thanks‘ to former boss Louis van Gaal’s offer to follow him to Manchester. Robben, now 30, was once linked to the club when Sir Alex Ferguson was at the helm, but opted to sign for Chelsea from PSV. Often criticised for simulation, Robben was exceptional at the finals having developed into one of Europe’s finest ever wingers. His crowning moment came against Borussia Dortmund at Wembley last year, and no doubt – the Champions League football on offer at Bayern Munich was surely a defining factor in his choice to turn down a move.

Like the two players above, Robben would be an exceptional hit at Old Trafford with his attacking philosophy and dribbling skills despite the Chelsea links, the playacting and having scored one of the most memorable volleys at Old Trafford in the 2009/10 Champions League.

Arturo Vidal
Only losing narrowly to Rodrigo Palacio in the ‘shittest hair of the tournament’ award, Chile’s “Il guerriero” could well be following his countryman Alexis Sanchez to the Premier League. The energetic midfielder was exceptional in the game against reigning Champions Spain despite only recovering from a knee operation weeks before the final. The 27 year old notched 18 goals for Juventus last season as the Old Lady won yet another Scudetto. Would be ideal in a new look midfield feature Herrera and reports are suggesting United are planning a £35 million swoop for Chilean.

Patrice Evra, who looks certain to leave the club, could well be used in a part exchange deal with Juventus for Vidal, following the signing of Luke Shaw.

So, who can you see being van Gaal’s next signing? Can you see any of the above heading to Old Trafford for the start of the 2014/15 season? United have been also linked with Thomas Vermaelen and Wesley Sneijder in recent days – can you see either one heading to the club?

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