With most Manchester United fans craving a new big name at Old Trafford, many know that we don't exactly have the funds to make those dreams come through. But who can we afford, and who are our realistic targets... Krishan Ghedia takes an in-depth look !

  Report By: Krishan Ghedia, 10:35pm

This close season has been very frustrating for numerous United fans, those rumours about The Red Devils having very little finances for transfers just do not seem to go away, and our chairman David Gill has always moved to deny those rumours and continues to insist that money is available if Sir Alex Ferguson feels the need to strengthen his squad. 

It was clear to see that throughout last season we lacked creativity and cutting edge through the middle of the park when facing stronger teams throughout all competitions. When we came up against the likes of Chelsea and Bayern Munich we failed to dominate in possession, an attribute that United rarely disappoint in. What we did, and still do have though, is the finest backline in the premiership and one of the best defences in the world, backed up with the aid of top class youth in the Da Silva twins, Jonny Evans and Ritchie De Laet and Ben Amos to name a few.

The reason I feel it is imperative for Sir Alex Ferguson to make at least one 'marquee signing' is because of the impact it would provide. The signing would instil the belief to us, the fans that our club can still compete with Europe’s major clubs in the transfer, it would also provide an incentive for the fans to purchase season tickets. And finally it would provide a belief that The Glazer Family do have our clubs best interest at heart and are willing to provide the finances for long term success. 

We have youth in abundance, and I believe this is a valuable asset that we posses. But I cannot help but think that adding a world-class player can only benefit our club and the youth we have. 


Goalkeepers

This season will probably Van Der Sar’s last, and I am hoping he signs another contract extension at the end of the coming season. But If and when he decides to call it a day, we have Kuszczak ready, waiting and wanting to be united’s no.1. We have youth in the goalkeeper department aswell with Ben Amos as our third choice keeper.

If Sir Alex Ferguson opts for a transfer target to fill the position, these would be my ideal candidates to fill the position.

• Manuel Neuer, his abilities between the sticks have made him one of the most sought after goalkeeping talents in Europe. He posses the ability of creating devastating route one counter attacks, which we all saw at this years World Cup against England.
• Sebastian Frey, United have been linked with a move for the Viola keeper in the past, and it is clear to see why. Already named amongst one of the best keepers in the world. And from the videos and matches I have seen him play, he has the uncanny skill of thwarting his opponents in one-on-one’s with his fantastic reflexes. He commands his area very well, always communicating to his backline in corners and dead ball situations. To my knowledge, Frey may have signed a contract extension with Fiorentina so is availability it out of the question for atleast 2-3 years.
• Maarten Stekelenburg, He conceded only 5 goals at this year’s World Cup leading them to the World Cup finals. He commands his area very well and he makes it very difficult for opponents in dead ball situations due to his tall, imposing stature. Although Stekelenburg has had his up & downs due to injuries, he has been a very reliable goalkeeper for Ajax for some time now. 
• Fernando Muslera, The young Lazio keeper impressed me during the World Cup, he kept clean sheets throughout all of Uruguay’s group stage matches and then went on to save two crucial penalties in the quarterfinals against Ghana. The “little beaver” as he is nicknamed has a knack for saving penalties as he helped his side gain the Coppa Italia in May 2009 again saving two penalties. A reliable and decisive shot stopper. 

The goalkeeper’s I have mentioned here have the talent and that goes without question. But I do not think a decision should be made until Tomasz Kuszczak has had his chance of becoming United’s number 1. 


Defenders

Our defence last season provided the foundations of our title bid. During the beginning of transfer window the speculation of Nemanja Vidic leaving united were looking like a possibility. But now that Vidic has signed a contract extension and with the youngster Chris Smalling performing well in the pre-season, all of this combined has pretty much quelled the need for signing a centre back.  But there are still question marks over Rio Ferdinand’s fluctuating fitness.

• Ryan Shawcross, we should never have sold the youngster and I would like to see him back in a united shirt. The young lad is not afraid to go into 50/50 tackles and it can be seen that Shawcross plays with his heart on his sleeve. A tall centre back with the added ability of scoring the odd headed goal here and there. We were linked with a move for him, but I doubt Tony Pulis would sell his star asset. 
• Gary Cahill, a fierce tackler, Cahill is composed when put under pressure from opponents. With Vidic known to go in hard when tackling, if we did move for Gary Cahill we could well have an intimidating backline. 
• Philipe Mexes, Maybe I’m being a bit to ambitious placing Mexes placing Mexes on this list, but he has been linked with a united switch in the past and has been rated as one of the best defenders in the world. He stated his desire to remain with AS Roma early this year, and with us have little money a move for the Frenchman his highly unlikely. 

I believe if we were to move for a defender my vote would be firmly for Gary Cahill. But in saying that, I believe it’s a position that needs little attention at the moment with our youth players (Jonny Evans & Chris Smalling) performing well and all vying for starting role.


Midfielders

This is an area, which I am mostly concerned about along with numerous united fans. With Owen Hargreaves sidelined with his long-term knee injury, we are lacking in the central position as Anderson continues his rehabilitation and now Carrick has supposedly obtained a nock on his ankle. 

It’s an area which I believe we need to sign a reliable, creative young player who can pick out a cutting pass from deep and one who can neatly pick out a through ball when going forward.

• Riccardo Montolivo, Italy struggled to come out of the group stages in this year’s World Cup and the former World Champions finished in an embarrassing 4th place. Montolivo however when called upon provided the impact Italy desperately needed. He never shies away from a long distance shot, as he showed at the World Cup. Montolivo is a versatile option and he is as strong when going forward as he is when tracking back to defend. 
• Luka Modric, A Consistent performer with a hardworking ethic. Another player, who can play in more than one position. Modric Plays best as a central attacking midfielder but can also play as a left-sided winger. Modric is a very commanding player on and off the ball and when playing at his best he brings others around him into play, which is done with his neat and simple passing, spraying the ball with long range passes and through balls. He has signed a contract extension at White Heart Lane, keeping him there until 2016. Would take a huge offer for Redknapp to let his most prized asset leave the club. 

Although we do have youth vying for a starting place and sub roles in the midfield position, if we tie up a deal for a creative midfielder it would only benefit the youth we have. With the added competition it would bring for places we could see the sterling performances from our youth players in pre-season being brought forward to the Premier League. 


Forwards

We are well catered for when it comes to the forward positions. With Javier Hernandez’s scintillating performances in pre-season, Owen looking sharp against Airtricity League XI and our talisman Rooney on his way to find peak form, we have plenty of goals to come from the trio if they continue the hard work. 

I am still hoping Berbatov can turn the corner in his united career and become a prolific goalscorer this season. We also have the added security of youth in this position aswell with Federico ‘Kiko’ Macheda and Mame Biram Diouf showing they can come of the bench and provide added invention. 

Finally, I would like to know what you, the fans have to say about this transfer window. Who would you like to see arriving at united this season ?, Do you think we actually need to buy anyone this summer ?, Or can we rely on our youth players to come in and step up. 

What ever your thoughts are about the situation of our club and transfer I would more than willing to continue discussions on United Latest...