9. Mathieu Debuchy Newcastle United
Scott Heppell/AP/Press Association Images
Position: Right-back. United need a new right-back arguably more than they needed a new left-back. Yes, they had chased Leighton Baines for some time, and Patrice Evra looks likely to have played his last as the first choice left-back, but the options on the other flank are laughably limited. Rafael is not the answer, as he proved too many times last season, and the rumour mill seems to be spinning in the direction of an alternative right-back for Van Gaal's first team. And though he has most recently been linked with a move to Arsenal, Newcastle's World Cup right-back Debuchy would be a very good option for United. He is fast and strong, incredibly gifted on the ball and adds an attacking dimension that would be a great addition to Van Gaal's new-look United, particularly given the freedom afforded by superior centre-halves who could cover him. And his stats last season in an under-performing Newcastle team were eye-wateringly good.