One of the summer’s big transfer sagas appears to have reached its climax a little earlier than expected, with Adam Lallana having completed his long awaited switch from Southampton to Liverpool.

The England international was the subject of numerous offers from the Reds before he jetted off to the World Cup, but the Saints held firm in a bid to keep their captain. However, Lallana is understood to have made it clear last week that he wanted to follow Rickie Lambert to Anfield and now a contract has been sealed.

The 26-year-old is the Merseysiders’ third summer acquisition after the aforementioned striker and German youngster Emre Can, but Brendan Rodgers’ spending is unlikely to stop there. The Northern Irishman is known to be targeting a number of other players as he looks to bolster his squad ahead of a season in the Champions League, and here are six names he may turn to…

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Lazar Markovic

What do Liverpool need? That’s right, more goals! Well Brendan Rodgers seems to think so after targeting Benfica’s talented youngster Markovic. The Serbian winger was one of the stars of the Lisbon side’s run to the Europa League Final last term, and also netted five goals to help them clinch the Portuguese title despite being in competition with a number of stars at the Estadio da Luz.

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Able to operate on either flank and known for his ability to cut inside, the 20-year-old appears to be the ideal player for Rodgers’ set-up, and could link well with Raheem Sterling and Daniel Sturridge. Or maybe he could the start of a post-Luis Suarez era at Anfield…

Alexis Sanchez

With Chile now out of the World Cup, the wheels could be set in motion to lure Sanchez to Anfield. The Barcelona attacker was one of the stars of the tournament for his country, with his all energy displays and eye for goal having helped to secure memorable victories before hosts Brazil ended their summer via penalty-kicks.

Despite his impressive showings, Barca are rumoured to be willing to sell the 25-year-old for around £30m, which has attracted the attention of Liverpool. Luis Suarez may be heading in the opposite direction, which could well open up the possibility of a stunning swap deal, and from this video we think he could fill the Uruguayan’s boots.

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Dejan Lovren

Among the wealth of attacking names being linked with Liverpool, there is actually a defender being memtioned. Lovren appears to be the Reds’ top target to bolster their backline, with the Croatian having been impressive for Southampton – who are rapidly becoming the Reds’ feeder team.

With 50 goals conceded last season, the Merseysiders know they must tighten up if they are to have any chance of ending their lengthy wait for a league title, and Lovren could be a good long-term successor to Daniel Agger – who looks likely to be leaving before the new season starts. To give Liverpool further encouragement, the silky centre-back is understood to have requested a transfer…

Lovren was also decent against them last season…

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Divock Origi

19-years-old and one of the World Cup’s stars, there is much attention being directed towards young Origi at the moment. His late strike against Russia helped Belgium make the last 16 in Brazil and has prompted talk that Liverpool, as well as Spurs, are tracking his signature.

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Reports in France suggest that the Reds have agreed a deal with both Lille and the player, but Origi will not be seen at Anfield for at least 12 months with a loan back to the Ligue 1 side on the cards.

Keylor Navas

Two goalkeepers have really caught the eye at the World Cup, one is Guillermo Ochoa of Mexico, the other Costa Rica’s Navas. To be fair to Liverpool, their scouting of the stopper appears to be a little more thorough than catching his games on the TV, with Brendan Rodgers believed to have been tracking him since the back end of last season.

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Levante are aware that they may be unable to keep their man after his performances in recent weeks, which could well open up the possibility of an £8m deal. With Simon Mignolet having shown signs of struggling last season, Navas could well keep him on his toes, or even steal the starting berth from the Belgian.

He also kept a certain Lionel Messi quiet recently…

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Alberto Moreno

Like the Adam Lallana saga, Moreno’s move to Liverpool appeared to be stalling over a reluctance to match his asking price. Just a few weeks ago the Spaniard was reported to have had his tickets and suitcase ready for a trip to Merseyside for a medical ahead of a £16m move, but this talk was knocked back amid speculation that Sevilla have upped their asking price to around £20m.

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The trail went cold initially, but now Brendan Rodgers’ side are believed to be making fresh overtures towards the talented left-back. With bags of energy and decent attacking ability, Moreno could be the solution to a problem that has been constant for Reds managers since the days of John Arne Riise.

The bi-annual circus that is the transfer deadline day has rolled into town once more, with the football world a dizzying flurry of last-minute activity. Jim White, the ubiquitous master of ceremonies and patron saint of deadline day oversees proceedings for the umpteenth time, whisking us off on a whirlwind adventure to the training grounds of the football league to bring us news of the latest comings-and-goings, with the now-mandatory pit-stop at Harry Redknapp’s car window along the way.

One destination which is conspicuously absent from this year’s itinerary, at the time of writing at least, seems to be Arsenal’s London Colney training ground. On the most hectic day of the transfer window Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger appears more concerned with philanthropy than wheeling and dealing, having decided to attend a charity match in Rome organised by Javier Zanetti and the Pope for disadvantaged children in Argentina. While almost every other manager will be sat at his desk, phone glued to ear and dusting off the fax machine (which for some unfathomable reason seems to be the communication device of choice on deadline day, the equivalent of walking into a bike shop and asking for a penny farthing), Wenger seems happy to let the day’s cataclysmically hyperbolic events pass him by. One can almost imagine the Frenchman reacting to news of Falcao’s move to Manchester United, a bona fide deadline day coup, with nothing more than an indifferent Gallic shrug as he basks in the sunshine of Rome in the company of His Holiness and the equally venerable Zanetti.

Admirable though his participation in the charity event may be, one can’t help but feel that Wenger is repeating the same mistake he seems to have made for the past two seasons – a failure to sign a world-class striker. Since Robin van Persie’s departure to Manchester United two years ago, Wenger has obstinately decided to persist with Olivier Giroud as the club’s only recognised – and proven – out-and-out centre forward. Much of the criticism Giroud receives is unwarranted; the 16 league goals he scored last season is a respectable return for a striker who cost a modest £9.6 million. However at 27 years of age Giroud will never be a world-beater and Wenger surely cannot believe that the Gunners can realistically rely on his goals to fire them to the Premier League title. A club with genuine title ambitions need a striker who is expected to score at least 20 goals a season, or at the very least a striking partner who can be trusted to share goalscoring responsibilities. As it stands, Giroud’s competition comes in the form of the hardworking yet ultimately anodyne Yaya Sanogo, whose four goals against Benfica in a pre-season friendly indicate a false dawn rather than the emergence of a genuine goal machine, judging by his early-season performances.

The paucity of Arsenal’s striking options stretches further back than Giroud and Sanogo. The last world-class striker on the Gunners’ books, Robin van Persie, would never have been seriously threatened by the goalscoring exploits of perennial narcissist Nicklas Bendtner. Van Persie’s goals-per-game record in his last few seasons at the Emirates was highly impressive, however his history of injuries meant that Arsenal were constantly flirting with the possibility of losing their only decent forward.

Though Wenger has added world-class attacking talent to his squad this summer in the form of Alexis Sanchez, the Chilean is no striker in the traditional sense, and nor is the recuperating Theo Walcott. The duo will certainly contribute with their fair share of goals, but they are unlikely to become prolific as van Persie was in his Arsenal heyday – neither player has scored more than 20 league goals in one season.

The news that Olivier Giroud is to face a lengthy spell on the sidelines due to injury leaves the Gunners with no fully-fledged centre forward for the remainder of the calendar year. With Wenger once again refusing to increase his attacking options before the football world is left in a state of transfer paralysis for another four months, this case of déjà-vu may yet be the hardest one for Arsenal fans to swallow.

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Manchester United’s pre-season had gone a lot better than any red devil would’ve imagined, but the shock opening day defeat to Swansea City at Old Trafford on Saturday may have given United fans cause for concern

However, new boss Louis Van Gaal has still injected some new-found drive in the Old Trafford players and a number of pre-season outings have given us a glimpse of just how good they’ll be next season, regardless of their somewhat deflated start.

They’ve been impressive under LVG this summer. Just as impressive as TrustFord’s new Signing on Fee offer, which gives you £500 off the purchase of any new Ford car.

David Moyes failed to jump-start a new era at the club last season following a number of poor modifications to the former Premier League champions.

But LVG looks like he’s got things in order after bringing in a bargain or two, particularly Ander Herrera, who impressed this weekend.

And it’s Man United’s engine room that appears to have been fine-tuned the most, with Herrera expected to go along way in justifying his price and signing on fee.

So here’s six ways LVG has fine-tuned Man United’s engine room…

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Ander Herrera

The Spaniard impressed for LVG’s side in pre-season and, although he didn’t shine too much in their opening day defeat to Swansea, he’s still expected to take the Premier League by storm this season.

Last season, Moyes’ style of play was heavily criticised. But Van Gaal has provided a new and exciting philosophy that emphasises the need for articulate midfielders.

Herrera is one of those players tasked with enforcing such a philosophy and he pre-season performances proved that.

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Ashley Young

Ashley Young was widely expected to be on of the players deemed surplus to requirements by Louis Van Gaal this summer.

But instead he has been transformed in to a worthy option as a wing-back in the new manager’s favourable 3-5-2 formation.

The winger offers much needed pace for LVG and has seen his United career saved by his versatility.

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Juan Mata

One of David Moyes’ biggest crimes during his United reign was splashing out a club record transfer fee on Chelsea’s Juan Mata only to continuously play him out of position, mostly to accommodate Wayne Rooney as a number 10.

But Van Gaal realises the threat Mata can provide as a central midfielder and has ensured that’s where the Spaniard’s skill set will be utilised.

As a result, United are instantly a more potent side in attack, which they desperately lacked last season.

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Wayne Rooney

Rooney’s work rate has always been one of his biggest traits at United, but under Moyes he was regularly forced to play as a number 10 to allow Robin Van Persie to play the the striker’s role.

But the decision to give Rooney the armband and play him as a striker has further improved United’s attacking threat and has allowed their engine to fuel one of the best striker’s in the world in his best position and, potentially, the best form of his career.

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Youth prospects

Van Gaal has given the likes of Jesse Lingard and Tyler Blackett the chance to impress in the first team at the off, and they look like they could be part of the boss’ plans this season.

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Man United’s history of bringing through class acts from their academy and Van Gaal’s experience could be the key to the aforementioned youngsters going on to be the next best things to come out of Old Trafford’s youth team.

With the help of a group of senior and extremely experienced members of the squad, such youngsters are in the best position to help fire LVG and United back to the successes they once enjoyed under Sir Alex Ferguson.

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Marouane Fellaini

The Belgium international endured a torrid debut season at Old Trafford last term and he was expected to leave the club this summer.

But he’s enjoyed a spirited revival under Van Gaal this summer and appears to have been given the chance to redeem himself in United’s midfield.

His goal scoring antics at Everton initially earned him a mega-money move to Man United and, despite taking some time to adapt, Van Gaal’s decision to stick with him and offer him an important role in his side could lead to him recapturing the world-class form the Premier League were once used to seeing from him each week at Goodison Park.

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Arsenal are notorious for bringing in foreign imports to the Premier League and turning them into global superstars.

Emmanuel Petit, Dennis Bergkamp, Patrick Vieira, Freddie Ljungberg and Thierry Henry immediately spring to mind. Now, after calls from the fans and the board of directors at the Gunners, the latest trend for the North Londoners is to buy already established stars in order for them to claim their first Premier League title for the first time since 2004.

The likes of Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez have forced manager Arsene Wenger into putting his hands in his pockets and splashing more cash than he has done in the past. Chief Executive Ivan Gazidis said in a recent interview with the BBC: “The last five years of unlocking our international and our commercial revenues is so important for the club. It allows us to go out and, if the manager believes in someone like Mesut Ozil, he can buy him.

“It’s the same with Alexis Sanchez. Unlike the situation two or three years ago when we were really financially challenged and losing our top players, we are signing our top players to long-term contracts – guys like Jack Wilshere and Aaron Ramsey.”

However, one player signing that was considered one of the best attackers in Germany but has struggled since he arrived in England in 2012 is Lukas Podolski. The former Bayern Munich ace was a signing from his beloved FC Koln after a disappointing spell with the German champions, only managing 71 appearances in three years at the Allianz Arena.

Despite having a thunderous left foot strike, a good eye for a pass and is good in the air, it looks as though the German is now surplus to requirements at the Emirates Stadium. Podolski endured his most frustrating spell in an Arsenal shirt in 2013/2014 where injuries came back to haunt him, only managing 14 appearances including six off the bench. The quality of a player like Podolski is still there, still managing to score eight goals and make two assists in that season. The 29-year-old World Cup winner has played just 128 minutes of football in this current campaign, and has already stated that he might have to leave in order to gain regular first team action.

The arrival of Sanchez and fellow compatriot Ozil has prompted in Podolski’s only real involvement this year is from the bench, or even worse, out of the match day squad all together. With the inevitable return of winger Theo Walcott and Danny Welbeck acting as Arsenal’s main striker outlet, seeing Podolski back in an Arsenal strip is looking more and more unlikely.

Failure to beat Southampton in the Capital One Cup third round is even more bad news for the German, considering it is his only chance of gaining valuable minutes on the pitch.

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Although Manchester United are tipped to make some huge transfer moves during the summer, they may still need to consider some players who are guaranteed to understand the English game.

This means they can even search for reinforcements from within the Premier League during the January window before deciding to break the bank at the end of the campaign.

So, here are five players Louis van Gaal should sign consider ahead of the upcoming transfer window if he is to maintain his squad’s quality throughout the second half of the campaign.

Winston Reid

Name: Winston Reid

Age: 26

Position: Centre-Back

Nationality: New Zealand

Club: West Ham United

Price: £20 million (asking price)

Winston Reid has been a constant performer for West Ham United this season, having featured in 15 out of 16 league matches. Sam Allardyce has already led his team into the top four and based on their performance, they are still a strong force this year.

Interest in Reid is quite high, with Arsenal and Liverpool believed to be amongst the clubs looking to sign him in January. He is also nearing the end of his contract, meaning the Hammers may be forced to let him leave.

Seamus Coleman

Name: Seamus Coleman

Age: 26

Position: Right-back

Nationality: Ireland

Club: Everton

Price: £18 – £22 million

Manchester United are currently filled with left-backs, but on the opposite side, they are left rather exposed. Rafael is the only actual player capable of the role with Antonio Valencia often being called to replace him during an injury. Louis van Gaal has already tried to lure Seamus Coleman to Old Trafford during the summer and could do so once again.

He became a vital member of the Everton back line thanks to his fine performance during the previous season. But because he is on good form, he is also being tracked by league leaders Chelsea.

Nathaniel Clyne

Name: Nathaniel Clyne

Age: 23

Position: Right-back

Nationality: England

Club: Southampton

Price: £15 – £20 million

Much like the case of Seamus Coleman, Nathaniel Clyne could be an over better option for Manchester United to secure the services of a highly rated right back. The Southampton man is currently regarded as the best right back in England and is well on his way to become his nations first choice selection.

At only 23, a move to Old Trafford could make him the first choice selection there as well. Plus, playing opposite to Luke Shaw could work wonders as the pair have already worked together while playing for the Saints.

Ron Vlaar

Name: Ron Vlaar

Age: 29

Position: Centre-Back

Nationality: Netherlands

Club: Aston Villa

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Price: £8 – £12 million

Although the World Cup has past for quite a while, Ron Vlaar could still be a short-term fix for Manchester United’s back line, especially with the host of injuries they have been suffering so far. He was a stand-out performer for Netherlands in the summer and could very well replicate that form at Old Trafford.

He earlier revealed that he was happy at Aston Villa earlier in the season, but with his team now sitting in 13th place and his contract coming to an end, he may be open to a new challenge or may even be forced out to avoid a free transfer when his deal expires.

Ross Barkley

Name: Ross Barkley

Age: 21

Position: Attacking Midfield

Nationality: England

Club: Everton

Price: £50 million (asking price)

Ross Barkley is pretty much on the top of almost all the Premier League elites as he is currently regarded as on of England’s most promising midfielders. Both Manchester City as well as Chelsea have joined Manchester United for his signature during the summer, but there was no way Roberto Martinez and Everton were going to let him leave.

The Toffees placed a huge £50million price tag on his head, a number that seems to have halted potential moves for the star attacker, but it doesn’t mean that the big clubs will stop their chase for his services.

Since Alan Pardew’s swift departure to Crystal Palace at the beginning of the month, the St. James’ faithful have seen their side trudge on without a manager at the helm, and without much of an idea of what direction their club is heading in, if any.

Several big names throughout Europe were immediately linked to the job, but seeing as the BBC have reported Mike Ashley is to give care-taker boss John Carver the hot-seat until the end of the season, Newcastle United are technically no longer manager-less.

As such a decision has done very little to appease the concerns of Magpie fans, do Newcastle have unfinished business in the remainder of the season, or does the 2014/15 campaign now go down as a write-off for everyone involved with the club?

It ultimately seems a shame that a club as iconic as Newcastle, with their strong fan-base, big stadium, and reputation for being Premier League entertainers throughout the years; have had very little success on the pitch to show for their efforts. Silverware is the ultimate objective of the game, and with the likes of Chelsea and Manchester City – two teams who once would have been consider ‘smaller’ clubs – picking up trophies left, right, and centre; the footballing tide is certainly starting to turn.

History and tradition are beginning to mean less and less in today’s game, and if Newcastle are to avoid falling behind the rest of England’s top-flight sides, they must act sooner rather than later to reverse their fortunes.

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Such a message has seemingly gone unheard by Mike Ashley however, with the Newcastle chairman failing to appoint a recognised head coach to lead his team throughout the rest of the season. John Carver, for all the respect he earns as a local lad who has previously worked with Sir Bobby Robson, just isn’t the man to fit the bill with the St. James’ faithful. Whilst many Newcastle fans may have greeted Pardew’s departure in celebratory fashion, would their reactions had been the same if they knew John Carver would be the man to take over?

The former Toronto FC boss, whose brief stint in the MLS is Carver’s only experience as a first team manager, simply doesn’t inject the kind of enthusiasm back into the Newcastle side that many supporters had hoped for in the wake of Pardew’s exit. The likes of Demba Ba and Yohan Cabaye have unceremoniously moved on in the past, creating the idea of the the club as a stepping stone to dream moves elsewhere, rather than a dream in itself. It’s hard to imagine this image changing under the current stewardship, as very few players are going to be attracted to a team who are happy to merely plod along.

That said, if Mike Ashley and Newcastle United were to somehow land an exciting name that comes with a strong managerial reputation at the end of the season, the half-hearted promotion of John Carver will likely be quickly forgotten. Former Lyon boss, Remi Garde, has been heavily linked to the job at St. James by the Telegraph, and would fit in with the French theme that they have going on at the club. However, current Ajax manager, Frank De Boer, would surely be the most desired choice on Tyneside.

The Dutchman has become synonymous with a no-nonsense attitude, entertaining football, and most importantly; success. Such credentials would certainly tick the boxes at Newcastle – and seeing as it’s been reported in the Guardian that he will decide on his future at the end of season – there may be an argument to be made that Ashley is right to wait for his man.

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Whatever happens for Newcastle in the remainder of the season, the overriding feeling is that the St. James’ faithful deserve better than what they have received in recent years. Mike Ashley seems to treat the black & white stripes as no more than a giant advertising board for his SportsDirect endeavours and has been far too happy to flounder when the aim should be to flourish. It’s hard to know what the club’s aims are for the rest of 2014/15, or more damningly, whether they have any aims at all.

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With Raheem Sterling seemingly holding out for the sort of pocket money we could have only dreamed of as a youngster, Liverpool appear to have diverted their attention towards Arsenal’s Theo Walcott.

The Gunners ace is very much seen as a ‘plan B’ man at Anfield, with keeping their 20-year-old starlet the aim, but with his future at the Emirates Stadium unclear, he’s an intriguing option.

Walcott has long campaigned for a central role under Arsene Wenger and despite his obvious skills and pace, the England international has struggled to hold down a regular spot while never been truly becoming an essential player in north London… and the got us thinking, which other ‘unappreciated players’ could Brendan Rodgers save?

He gave Daniel Sturridge and Philippe Coutinho fresh chances and that worked, so here are FIVE potential ‘garbage to gold’ additions…

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James Milner

As the weeks go by, James Milner looks more and more likely to leave Manchester City on a free transfer this summer.

The England international’s current contract expires in just a few months’ time, and with his playing time having been minimal in terms of minutes and varied in terms of position, the 29-year-old is thought to have his eye on one last big move to play regularly in his favoured role – central midfield.

Liverpool are firmly in the hunt for the one-time Leeds prodigy, and it’s easy to see why. Although unfashionable, Milner offers a great level of work ethic, desire, commitment and know-how, while being a superbly adept technical footballer.

Although he’s now after a settled role, he can also fill in on either flank, play anywhere in midfield, function as a ‘false nine’ or even play as a right-sided wing-back or full-back.

Marc-Andre ter Stegen

Although Simon Mignolet has revived to the point that he’s now one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League on current form, it’s not yet clear as to whether or not Liverpool will seek to replace him this summer. At the height of the Belgian’s slump – December to January – the Reds were linked with a host of names, with Ter Stegen firmly in the mix.

The German signed for Barcelona last summer from Monchengladbach with a reputation as one of the best emerging glovesmen in Europe, but he’s yet to make a single appearance in La Liga, with his only game time having come in Champions League and domestic cup action. The 22-year-old is certainly worth more game time than he’s currently getting and could well be a long-term upgrade on Mignolet, despite his recent improvements.

Stevan Jovetic

The 25-year-old was an exciting addition for City almost two years ago, but his game time has been… erm… minimal. Able to play in almost any attacking role, Jovetic should have established himself in the sky blue shirt, but injuries have played their part in his struggles, as has Manuel Pellegrini’s reluctance to truly put faith in him.

Brendan Rodgers has shown a talent for turning trash into treasure in recent seasons – Philippe Coutinho and Daniel Sturridge were unwanted at Chelsea and Inter Milan – and with Jovetic still only 25, there’s time for a top coach to extract his full potential. There have been links…

Micah Richards

Somewhat the forgotten man of English football, Richards has recently put himself back on the radar by claiming that he’s interested in heading back to the Premier League. A return to City when his current loan deal at Fiorentina ends is unlikely due to his contract’s looming expiration date, so a free transfer appears likely… and Liverpool are believed to be keen.

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With another centre-back a potential addition due to Emre Can’s unorthodox role in a back three, Richards could be an addition that makes sense. With experience as a right-sided full-back, the 26-year-old possesses the attacking intent to feature in Brendan Rodgers’ system, and could thrive now he’s over his injury woes.

Yohan Cabaye

Although Steven Gerrard is by no means a pivotal figure at Anfield now – in terms of first-team importance – replacing his departing captain when he joins LA Galaxy this summer is an issue for Brendan Rodgers.

Jordan Henderson and Joe Allen look to be a good combo, but an experienced Premier League campaigned like Yohan Cabaye may be a wise addition. The Frenchman left Newcastle just over a year ago, and despite his emergence as one of the top playmakers on the block, his game time has been rationed at PSG. Liverpool have been linked with the pass-master, who could offer some stability and an alternative option.

Louis Van Gaal’s additions to his Manchester United squad last summer included one of the world’s biggest stars, an incredibly talented teenager, and a Dutch midfielder who shone at the World Cup.

But, would the team that Louis Van Gaal is fielding week in, week out make the cut under former manager Sir Alex Ferguson?

Sir Alex has worked with some of the world’s best footballers – but he has also worked with some average ones, too. If Fergie could get his hands on Manchester United’s current squad, I’m sure some would not make the cut for him; but he would also be impressed with quite a few.

There is no question about whether David De Gea would get make it in Alex Ferguson’s squad – he’s the man who brought him to Manchester of course. Following in Edwin Van Der Sar’s footsteps was no easy task, but after some early struggles, he is now regarded as United’s most valuable player – his improvement over the last two years has been outstanding.

Defensively, Alex Ferguson had some class players in his squad, such as Patrice Evra, Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand, all of which have since moved on. The current defence at Manchester United would not be able to compete with these players – Chris Smalling and Phil Jones for example, part of Fergie’s squad, just would not be strong enough. Paddy McNair would’ve had a chance (as a substitute, most likely) under Sir Alex, who was always aware of the importance of youth players in his side.

United’s current midfield is pretty formidable, but not exempt from making mistakes. Marouane Fellaini would have a hard time making it in a side under Sir Alex. Although he has improved massively over the last nine months, Juan Mata would be the choice under Fergie; mainly for the creativity aspect, and the goal scoring ability. Something that is interesting to consider, is how Angel Di Maria and Sir Alex would have fared working together – very well, I’m guessing. Daley Blind could make it into a starting line-up with Sir Alex Ferguson as a manager because his work rate is key to the squad.

One player who would not have been dropped back to midfield under Fergie is Wayne Rooney. Rooney is an all round player, but he is a striker. Sir Alex recognised this as his best position, and that was where he was played.

And of course, Robin Van Persie is sure to make it into both starting elevens. Van Persie had an outstanding first season for Manchester United under Sir Alex, and had said he was gutted when his boss announced his retirement.

If Sir Alex was still at Manchester United, would Danny Welbeck still be at the club? I think so, Ferguson rated him and put faith in him. Welbeck’s almost full season under Moyes, though, was the writing on the wall for his career in Manchester.

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One thing the current Manchester United squad could use, that Sir Alex was fond of, is the hairdryer treatment at half-time!

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A run of six straight wins in the Premier League not only has Manchester United within touching distance of securing Champions League qualification but has also seen them leapfrog rivals Manchester City in the table leaving them just one point off second place.

Not many would have predicted that outcome when they slumped to a disappointing defeat to Swansea back in February; with a difficult run of fixtures leaving their top-four hopes in the balance.

But things have finally clicked for the Red Devils over the past month, and impressive wins over Tottenham, Liverpool and City have really emphasised the clubs great upturn in form and it finally looks like manager Louis van Gaal has found his perfect system and his strongest team.

And surprisingly one player who has been key to their success over recent weeks and found himself an unlikely hero at Old Trafford is Ashley Young.

Like many around him; Young endured a frustrating season under David Moyes and was one of the players who came under fire following the clubs worst Premier League campaign. His future was in some doubt and it was questioned whether he was good enough to still warrant a place in the United squad.

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However with the faith entrusted in him by Van Gaal, Young has hit back at his critics with some brilliant performances to ensure he is now a regular in the starting 11 and there is even talk about a new contract. A wonderful turnaround considering his situation last season.

You’d have found it hard to believe the 29-year-old would be keeping record signing Angel di Maria on the sidelines, but another great display against City on Sunday vindicated Van Gaal’s decision.

The winger put in a man-of-the-match performance scoring a vital equaliser to get his side back in the game, before two pin point crosses saw him pick up two assists as Marouane Fellaini and Chris Smalling both got on the scoresheet.

On this form it’s not only impossible for the manager to leave him out but also looks like it’s time for Roy Hodgson to reignite the midfielder’s international career. The England boss was at Old Trafford to witness Young’s performance last weekend and must have been impressed with what he saw.

The former Villa man is uncapped since September 2013, but showing the kind of form that saw him seal a move to United means he has to be in Hodgson’s plans heading into the summer and a friendly against the Republic of Ireland.

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A top four finish would be most welcome for the Red half of Manchester and would constitute a good season following last year’s pain. But the fact they can go into the last six games aiming for second place is a remarkable turnaround that the players and manager deserve credit for, and will no doubt give them confidence of even greater things next season.

And Ashley Young is one who deserves plenty of plaudits for helping the club into this position thanks to some inspired performances with the winger clearly enjoying his football again. Nobody could have foreseen just how important he would become for United this season, but he is now a key part of the team. When you’re keeping a world class player like Di Maria out of the side; you know you must be doing something right.

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Manchester United striker Robin van Persie is mulling over his options ahead of the new season, according to reports from the Daily Mail.

Van Persie only has a year left on his current United contract following his most disappointing Premier League campaign in the last five years, in which he struggled for form and fitness under new boss Louis van Gaal.

And the Dutchman has revealed that he could be looking towards an exit, but also admitted that he wants to stay at Old Trafford in order to keep his settled family happy.

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“I must evaluate the situation,” he said. “The club is doing that as well. I must consider what I really want. If worse comes to the worst and I won’t be playing much next season I wouldn’t be in an ideal situation with Euro 2016 coming up [next summer]

“It’s a strange, difficult situation. A new situation, that’s a better word.

“I have to think, in a realistic way. It’s my ambition to play [regularly] in the next years.

“But I’m thinking about my family and my children with every decision I take. These are very important for me.

“I’m a real family guy. I think it’s fantastic to see how happy my children and wife are. That’s something I take in consideration when I’m thinking about my future.”

The 31-year-old joined United after a golden boot-winning season with Arsenal in 2013, and followed that up by helping the Red Devils become Premier League champions a year later, again being the competition’s top scorer.

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However, the former Feyenoord star only managed 10 league goals last season, and will look to improve on that tally in the upcoming campaign, possibly with a different club.

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