How United could line-up next season

So it's begun - the summer-long transfer rumour-mill is well under-way. And as per usual, United's name is associated with anyone and everyone out there - from "hot prospect" to "urgent replacement" to "unknown Portuguese player who the manager had never seen play before signing him". Of course we're all used to it by now, and almost immune to the majority of the drivel that comes out of the tabloids. That said, who doesn't love a bit of gossip!? So here's my attempt at slotting in some of the possible transfer targets into United's line-up for the upcoming season.

As I mentioned, the body of the deceased 2014/15 season is still warm and yet United are apparently out to sign a million new players this summer. Of course, we won't; but a good few players are definitely needed if we are to improve on last season's anti-climatic display.

First up is the issue of replacing David de Gea - United's player of the year and the man who's achievement of fooling the world into thinking our defense were "not that bad" alone deserves a knighthood. In fact that's not the worst idea, seeing as United are clearly struggling to entice the 'keeper to stay in Manchester rather than move to Madrid. As much as we all love him and would want nothing more than to see him stay, the strength of this story indicates that this one is virtually done-and-dusted. So at this stage I would rather say our goodbye's and wish him all the best as we look to bring in someone new.

Hugo Lloris may not be a like-for-like replacement - a decent 'keeper but he didn't quite wow the Premier League in the same way De Gea did last year - however (a little worryingly) he is the only name that has been linked to United. So unless Cech decides against moving the 8 miles from West to North London, I don't really know what other choice we have?

The rumours surrounding Mats Hummels at CB coming to Old Trafford are mere whispers, yet he has been linked on-and-off for about a year now...so maybe this summer, with Borrusia Dortmund failing dramatically to capture a Champions League place for next season, it'll finally happen.

Our midfield is shaping up nicely, with Depay already joining the club, Herrera continuing from where he left off after an excellent debut season, and Di Maria...well, surely we'll start to see more of the man we signed from Real Madrid last summer rather than the wasteful plumb who ended up losing his place, convincingly, to Ashley Young at United. So with Depay and Di Maria on the wings and Herrera in the centre that leaves one more place to fill in midfield. Up steps Hummels' teammate Ilkay Gundogan, who has opted against signing a contract renewal at Dortmund. This has however put the whole of Europe on red alert, so it looks like we'll be battling against some of the big boys for his signature.

And finally, onto the attack. With Falcao already gone, and heading south by the looks of it, we're in desperate need of a replacement - and a convincing, goalscoring one at that. Not just one with an incredible reputation and sick hair. RVP's time at United looks to be up as well, as we saw his impact last season deteriorate along with his fitness. Harry Kane appears to be a popular choice with the press, although having to deal with Daniel Levy again and negotiate a fee for a striker that he is unwilling to sell to United (sound familiar?) makes me nauseous at the thought of the ridiculous amount of money they'll charge us. For a player with only one decent season under his belt, I personally wouldn't waste our time and energy trying to get him as the risk factors involved are far too high. Still, if money isn't an option and the £30million+ we'll spend on him only scratches the inner lining of our large wallet, then why not, eh?