Are Manchester United about to make their first summer signing?

With Louis Van Gaal now in charge at Manchester United, the speculation has begun to mount as to who he will sign this summer.

The Red Devils are in a pretty bad place at the moment. Since Sir Alex Ferguson left the club, everything has taken a turn for the worse. The team’s performances have been dire at times over the last 12 months and David Moyes’ transfers haven’t been able to turn the club around.

Fans will have their fingers crossed that Louis Van Gaal is able to turn things around. But this is no small task. The decisions he makes this summer could come to define his time as a Manchester United manager.

This brings me to The Mirror‘s claim that Louis Van Gaal is likely to make Dnipro FC winger Yevhen Konoplyanka his first summer signing. This will put Manchester United in direct competition with Liverpool, who are also keen on the Ukrainian ace.

One of Manchester United’s key weaknesses last season was their lack of threat down the wings. After years of good service, both Antonio Valencia and Nani looked like a shadow of their former selves. The less said about Ashley Young and Shinji Kagawa, the better.

As such, this is certainly an area of the squad that could use some freshening up. If Van Gaal brings in some decent competition for the aforementioned players it may just shake them back into life.

Konoplyanka is certainly a good option. The Ukranian international has made 36 appearances for Dnipro FC this season and has found the back of the net 13 times. He’s also impressed with his pace, direct running and willingness to take defenders on. There’s a reason why Liverpool have been interested in him for the last 6 months or so.

He’s clearly a talented individual, but The Mirror suggest he could be available for just £12m. This would leave Louis Van Gaal with plenty of money left over to spend on re-building his defense. In that sense, it’s a smart deal.

But as an opportunity to get one over on United’s old rivals, it’s a priceless opportunity.

What’s your take? Should Louis Van Gaal make Yevhen Konoplyanka his first Manchester United signing?

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