8 Men Who Will Shape Man Utd's Title Challenge Next Season

6. Stefan de Vrij

Another centre-back option is Stefan de Vrij. The Dutchman has also been linked with a move to Manchester United this summer and could arrive at Old Trafford instead of, or along with, Thomas Vermaelen. Louis van Gaal is familiar with de Vrij, who started all seven of the Netherlands' World Cup games under his stewardship at the finals in Brazil. Still only 22, de Vreij has already proven himself at the very highest levels and was calm and composed while on World Cup duty with Holland. The Feyenoord man has been linked with a £10 million move to Old Trafford and should he arrive he will be expected to fill the very large shoes of Ferdinand and Vidic. It's a daunting task and like Shaw and Vermaelen, any success United enjoy next season rests largely on how they rebuild their back four following a period of change and transition at the club. There is very little room for error.