Manchester United transfer news: Arturo Vidal and Mats Hummels among players who could arrive

A look at those that could be drafted in at Old Trafford as the need for investment becomes abundantly clear

Louis van Gaal was disappointed with Manchester United's performance against Swansea (Getty Images)

The arrival of the hugely respected Louis van Gaal and pre-season wins over the likes of Real Madrid and Liverpool appeared to have restored confidence at Old Trafford.

But in the new Manchester United manager's own words, that confidence was "smashed" in just 90 minutes as the Red Devils lost to Swansea, their first opening day home defeat since 1972.

The 2-1 loss came as a huge surprise, not only because no-one gave Swansea a chance, but because a corner seemed to have been turned following last year's disastrous campaign under David Moyes.

The former manager told one of today's Sunday newspapers that the it was an "impossible job" at the helm of Old Trafford, a view that his permanent successor may be feeling as he mulls over the terrible start to a season that started with so much optimism.

Yet there may be a silver lining to the defeat against Swansea.

If there were any doubts that United needed investment in new players, Gylfi Sigurdsson quashed them with his winner 18 minutes from time. With a couple of weeks left before the transfer window closes, expect Van Gaal to be a busy man in the market.

With many areas seemingly in need of improvement, we take a look at those to have been linked with a move to Old Trafford who could yet come to the rescue.

Who would you like to see arrive at Manchester United? Let us know in the comments below.