Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has confirmed that the club will delve into the summer transfer market in search of a midfielder.
The Premier League club signed goalkeeper Victor Valdes on a free transfer and right-back Sadiq El Fitouri from Salford City during the midseason transfer window, while 21-year-old defender, Andy Kellet joined from Bolton Wanderers on loan for the rest of the season.
Midfielders Anderson and Darren Fletcher exited Old Trafford, with the former Brazilian returning home to join Internacional, while the latter was sold to West Bromwich Albion. United’s academy product Jesse Lingard was loaned to Derby County for the rest of the season.
Asked during a media briefing ahead of Monday night’s FA Cup fifth-round tie at Preston North End if his priority will be to find a new midfielder, the Dutch boss replied: “Of course, of course.
“I am looking for balance and I need balance in the midfield. When I play with (Adrian) Januzaj and Angel Di Maria in the midfield positions, then you need a certain balance for that kind of creative player.
“So when you have these creative players, and also (Radamel) Falcao and (Robin) van Persie are creative players, then you have four creative players and you have to look for balance in your team.”
England international Michael Carrick has missed the last four games with a calf injury and has suffered a “setback” in his recovery, according to the 63-year-old tactician. Daley Blind sustained a knock to the head before the half-time break against Burnley and is doubtful for the clash with the League One side.
Wayne Rooney dropped into a deeper role following Blind’s substitution against the Clarets. Asked if his captain is happy playing in a midfield position, Van Gaal said: “He is happy.
“Otherwise, he should come to me and say: ‘I am not happy,’ but he never does. He is always friendly to me and wants to perform what I want.
“That is what I see, but, when the whole world is writing that he has to be in the striker’s position, he shall be thinking ‘hey’ as he is human.”
