Having endured something of a disappointing summer so far - at least in terms of transfers - some fans could have been forgiven for thinking that Man United were facing another summer of frustration after David Moyes' much maligned transfer window last year, but it looks like the Red Devils have a number of irons in the fire. Though talks of the Arturo Vidal signing has dried up somewhat, thanks to the player's assumed commitment to staying in Italy for another year at least, Van Gaal has been linked with big moves for Kevin Strootman (though that is probably more likely in January), Ron Vlaar, Juan Cuadrado and Mats Hummels in the last couple of weeks of the transfer window at the least. If those signings can be pulled off, United will be in a much healthier position than they were last season, though Van Gaal must be wary to add Premier League experience to his team as well as foreign based flair. It's good news today then that Arsene Wenger has all but confirmed that United are in talks to sign want-away defender Thomas Vermaelen, who has turned down the Gunners' offers of a new contract. The Belgian has been the subject of strong interest from Barcelona - who have been credited with a £10m move - but the opportunity to help turn United into a force again, and the luxury of being a likely first-team starter every game might well pus Vermaelen in the direction of the ousted League Champions. If United can tie up a deal worth around the mooted £10m figure, and scupper Barcelona's bid in the process, they will pick up a classy, experienced defender who would be able to sit within Van Gaal's central back three and marshall the younger, less experienced team-mates currently on the club's books. And no disrespect to Jones, Smalling or Evans, he would be a significant boost to the available options to cover that position. Do you think MAn Utd should go all out to sign Vermaelen? Share your thoughts below in the comments thread.
