5 realistic summer targets for Manchester United

Toni Kroos

With the news that Nemanja Vidic will leave in the summer, questions will again be raised about who Manchester United will sign in the summer. Here are five players that Manchester United should go for if they have any ambition.

1. Daley Blind

The Dutch international is a perfect fit for Manchester United due to his versatility. Able to play adequately at left-back, centre-back and defensive midfield he is the almost the perfect utility man. He comes for an environment that is very similar to that of Manchester United for pressure, expectations are arguably higher at Ajax as a result of their domination of the league Therefore, there would be no problems raised about how he would cope in a pressure filled dressing room.

He is consistent performer for Ajax, which is backed by his stats. With an average pass percentage of 88 per cent and 55 per cent success rate in aerial duels won, it is easy to see that he dominates on the field. At 23-year-old it may be time for him to move away from the comforts of the Eredivisie.

2. Eliaquim Mangala

The French defender has been one of the most highly-rated players in the Portuguese League since joining Porto from Standard Liege in 2011. He came close to joining Manchester City in January, but City were unwilling to match the £40m buy out clause.

His attributes mirror that of Vidic, a very imposing defender in the air it would be almost a like for like swap for Manchester United if they were to sign Mangala. There is also a potential chance he could play the World Cup in the summer. He may turn out for France after he was capped against Uruguay last year.

3. Toni Kroos

Withcompetition for places so high at Bayern Munich, Toni Kroos may choose Manchester United as a possible destination. Contract talks between Kroos and Bayern broke down recentlyand Manchester United have been alert to the situation.

A midfielder who has quality and creativity in an abundance, his 92 per cent pass rating speaks volumes of his ability to control a game. The thought of him alongside Juan Mata in the Manchester United midfield is a one that screams titles.

4. Everton Ribeiro

Currently playing for Cruzerio in Brazil, Ribeiro had brilliant 2013 after finishing top of the assists table as Cruzerio sweeped the Brazilian Championship. Known for his skill and pace, he would certainly be an exciting addition to the Premier League.

This is what he had to say on playing abroad:”I feel I am ready to play in any part of the world. If you play for Cruzeiro, you can play in any place. I would fit in any part of the midfield. I would do well as a playmaker to support the attack.”

5. Raphael VaraneTipped to become one of the greats of world football, it would take an ambitious bid for Manchester United to tempt Varane away from Real Madrid. The French defender has earned huge amounts of praise since arriving at Real Madrid from Lens in 2011 for his abilities as modern day centreback. Full of pace and aerial presence, he is the ideal defender for any Champions League manager to have. Also, at 20-year-old he still has plenty of potential to fulfill.