Premier League: 10 talking points from this weekend’s action

1) Van Gaal has a definite transfer plan

“I have talked with every player I think I have to talk to,” Louis van Gaal said, “I know which players have to go and which have to come.” It was a slightly disarming aside midway through an otherwise tediously routine post-match press conference, during which Manchester United’s manager seemed more taken with the passion of Hull City’s fans than with an end-of-term nil-nil for his evolving team-in-progress.
There was a slight element of double take about it, though. Last year Van Gaal was frustrated by his inability to get his squad by the scruff of its neck during a congested tournament year. And while he also dropped in how much he was looking forward to his holidays in Belgium, either side of the Summer of Louis there is clearly plenty of transfer business trussed and ready to go. So who’s on the way out?
Current intelligence, rumour and guesswork suggests some combinations – possibly – of the following: David de Gea (to Real Madrid, possibly); Radamel Falcao (back to France or similar); Jonny Evans (to Everton); Adnan Januzaj (ditto on loan); Ángel Di María (PSG perhaps? Pace Ronaldo …); Rafael (anyone who’ll have him). The question of new arrivals is more intriguing. Money will be spent in the key areas down the spine of the team – striker, central midfield and centre half – while United also need a genuine right back and a new goalkeeper.
Some names have already been suggested. Bastian Schweinsteiger would be a great signing, on two-years-ago’s form. There are few obvious striking contenders, although Alexandre Lacazette is on everyone’s shopping list. Petr Cech’s name has been mentioned. Otherwise Van Gaal might just have some surprises up his sleeve. Either way, United have a plan this summer. And it will at least, this time around, be the manager’s own. Barney Ronay