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

4. Kevin Strootman

United were also linked with Kevin Strootman this summer, who again would have drastically improved Louis van Gaal's midfield options. Currently out with a long-term knee injury, Strootman's acquisition would nevertheless have gone down as a hit with fans had it come to fruition. Unfortunately, the Netherlands star was one of many targets van Gaal missed out on. Which really is odd, especially as van Gaal knows the player well from his time managing the Dutch national team. He is a known admirer of the Roma man, and would have named him in his 23-man World Cup squad but for the aforementioned injury. The United manager is always going on about how his players need to learn and adapt to his new formations and tactics at Old Trafford and, given Strootman is familiar with the Dutchman's philosophy, he surely would have made a seamless transition at the Theatre of Dreams? Strootman is a tough-tackling midfielder known for his combative style of play and as such is known as the "Dutch Roy Keane". He is highly physical and tactically strong and can play box-to-box or as a playmaker. United badly needed to add steel to their midfield this summer to protect their flimsy defence and though Strootman isn't set to return to competitive action until later this month, he would have still been able to solve some of their long-term problems.