Man Utd Transfers: 10 Former Players Van Gaal Must Bring With Him

2. Toni Kroos - Bayern Munich

Arguably the most difficult prospect of all players linked with United for Van Gaal's impending arrival, despite the overtures attributed to David Moyes in the last transfer window, Toni Kroos would be a phenomenally good signing - particularly for a club heading into next season without Champions League football. The difficulty lies not only in the absence of premium European football - with Europa League qualification not even assured yet - but he is Bayern through and through, and leaving a club that he has played in the first team squad of since he was 17 (aside from a successful loan at Leverkusen) would be a major stretch. But for his part, Van Gaal seems motivated to get his man: the Daily Mail have stated that Van Gaal has requested the funding to sign Kroos, and if those reports are true, it would seem he's at the very top of a wanted list that is likely to include a number of top European talents. Kroos' value lies in his versatility: he can play in either defensive, dynamic or attacking midfield roles, and control the game from wherever he is employed, making the most impact as the play-maker who sets to pace and controls play after breaking down the opposition. He would also be a statement of intention and a message to United's competitors at the top of the league that though they have suffered a tough time recently, they have not lost profile.