Despite a poor showing in this year’s campaign United currently have a very good crop of players, and with a few well thought out additions will have a squad capable of at least seriously contending for the league crown. David De Gea is the best goalkeeper in world football. Chris Smalling has been one of the only positives in a forgettable season. Martial and Marcus Rashford can both play out wide and up front. Schneiderlin will be a very important player for us in the next few years and Schweinstiger is footballing royalty.

Here are the three positions and potential signings I think could transform the club’s fortunes.

CENTRE BACK

Thiago Silva

The current Brazil and PSG captain which shows his authority and he is a league winner, albeit in the French league. He has good aerial ability despite not being the tallest defender, something he showcased well when dumping Chelsea out of the Champions League a year ago. Will he give up champions league days if United don’t qualify?

POTENTIAL FEE: £10m

Sergio Ramos

The current Real Madrid captain. Ramos has amazing aerial quality which helps to bag him some important set piece goals such as the last gasp leveller against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League final. He is a fighter who relishes the big stage, and also dislikes incoming City manager Pep Guardiola…

POTENTIAL FEE: £25m

Raphael Varane

Real Madrid are more likely to let go of Sergio Ramos than this starlet who is usually seen in Madrid keeping Pepe out of the Real Madrid starting line up. He is highly regarded as one the best young defenders in world football because he is quick, strong and experienced (he is a Champions League winner) despite his young age. He would make a good partner to the more aggressive Chris Smalling, and has also trained vs the likes of Bale, Benzema and Ronaldo!

POTENTIAL FEE: £25m

WINGER

Marco Reus

The former German Footballer of the Year is a delight to watch. The technically gifted winger can play with both feet, on both flanks and is deadly from both. His recent goals against Tottenham in the Europa League showed he is world class. His first goal was smashed into the roof of the net from a difficult angle and his second was a calm side foot finish past Hugo Lloris. He can play the wide role but also cut in and he has taken part in many deadly counter attacks for Dortmund over the years due to his pace. Reus is perfect for United and if there is any chance whatsoever of attaining his services no stone should be left unturned.

POTENTIAL FEE: £60m

Gareth Bale

Arguably the best winger in world football (Ronaldo often plays upfront). His quality speaks for itself and unfortunately despite making such an important contribution to Real Madrid’s historic La Decima Champions League campaign he hasn’t quite endeared himself to the Madrid fans. It feels like he is destined to join United someday but hopefully this is when he is still under 25 and not 30 and looking for a last big payday! Manchester United would understandably build a team around him.

POTENTIAL FEE: £80m

STRIKER

Romelu Lukaku

He is just now starting to receive the credit he deserves. United fans knew how good he was when he scored a hat trick in Sir Alex’s last match in charge. On his day Lukaku is a force of nature and pretty much unplayable. Tall, strong, quick and a good finisher. Considering Everton are drifting in mid table he would be justified to look for a top table club and the United hierarchy should be looking to send over a blank cheque to sign him. Cantona, Cole, Yorke, Sheringham, Rooney, Tevez and van Persie are all examples where signed an established Premier League performer, who all went on to do very well for us

POTENTIAL FEE: £60m

Zlatan.

Talismanic. Talented. Authoritative. Charismatic. Remind you of anyone? He is as unpredictable as he is talented, scoring different types of goals: headers, back heels, 25 yard overhead kicks (cheers Joe). The United dressing room lost leadership when we lost Rio, Evra, Vidic and Scholes – it was never replaced. Whilst also being a hugely talented and successful player, Zlatan’s presence at the club gives a boost to the fans and also to the aspiring young forwards already at the club. He is available on a free transfer this summer and it would be a travesty if United did not put an offer on the table. Could he be the next Cantona? It won’t happen again and again, but if there was one player who could maybe come close to emulating Cantona’s influence on the club, Zlatan may have the best shout.

POTENTIAL FEE: Free transfer