The Louis van Gaal effect; potential Manchester United XI come August

Ander Herrera (CM/CAM) – 30million pound transfer from Athletic Bilbao completed

He was not the marquee midfield signing that United fans wanted (be patient, however), but Herrera is a fantastic acquisition.  Since the decline and retirement of Paul Scholes, Manchester United have been desperate for a deep-lying playmaker, and Herrera certainly fits the bill.  Capable of being deployed further forward, or a a defensive midfielder as well, Herrera boasts a very effective box-to-box side to his game that is impressive for someone as creative as he is.  At 24-years old, he is on the cusp of reaching the prime age for LvG to get the best out of him.

"Ander Herrera fact-file for 2013/2014 season Apps: 31 (2) Goals: 5 Assists: 5 Passing %: 80.6% Season Rating: 7.38"