Man Utd Transfers: 10 Signings Louis Van Gaal Should Have Made

7. Toby Alderweireld

Following their inability to sign either Hummels, Garay or Vermaelen, United had a priceless opportunity to sign Toby Alderweireld. Unwanted at Atletico Madrid after playing just 14 times for the Spanish champions last season, the centre-back was allowed to leave this summer, and joined Southampton on loan. Why didn't United attempt to complete that deal? They loaned Radamel Falcao from AS Monaco and a similar move for Alderweireld would have gone down well with fans. The versatile Belgian international can play centre-half - where the Reds are clearly lacking quality - and can also play at right-back, making him a suitable replacement for Rafael - who appears to have been deemed surplus to requirements by van Gaal having not played a single minute of football this season. United needed defensive reinforcement this summer and with Alderweireld being allowed to leave for nothing, you can't help but feel as though van Gaal missed a trick in not following Southampton's suit by making a loan bid for the former Ajax man, who remains a quality player despite the fact he fell down the pecking order at Atletico.