Louis van Gaal Wants To Sign Deep-lying Midfielder

Louis van Gaal has stated his desire to sign a deep-lying midfielder during this summer's much-anticipated transfer window.

Michael Carrick has excelled in that position throughout his nine-season career at Old Trafford and the 33-year-old remains an indispensable component of van Gaal’s plans. But due to a series of injuries, United have been forced to play without Carrick on several occasions this season and, moving forward, the boss would like more strength in depth.

Asked if that is his priority signing this summer, van Gaal confirmed: “No.6 is a key player, yes. I have more key roles – the no.6 is just one of those key roles. You have seen this season, for example, because Michael Carrick is injured and I don't have another, I have to play with Ander Herrera there. He did it very well, but it is not his speciality.

“I have played Wayne Rooney there also, but it is not his favoured position. I had to do this because I don't have another right-footed holding midfielder like Carrick. That is why it is a key role, but I cannot discuss other positions because then I show too much.”

Van Gaal has reiterated his desire to complete United’s business long before the window closes on 31 August. In fact, the manager is keen for that deadline to be brought forward to before the Barclays Premier League season begins.

“It is always ending on 31 August, which, in my opinion, is ridiculous,” van Gaal says. “I have many times strived to change the transfer window because it has to be out of the competition. You have to be finished before your prepare your team for the season.

“Last year we had the World Cup and a lot of players came in later. We made a lot of purchases at the last moment, on 31 August, so we had to prepare our team in the Premier League and that cost us a lot of points. That's the difference with other teams. I hope we shall finish that much earlier."