Manchester United transfer news: Wolfsburg full-back Ricardo Rodriguez closes in on £20m switch

Van Gaal's side are currently in the midst of a defensive injury crisis

Wolfsburg's Ricardo Rodriguez holds off Manchester United's Jesse Lingard (Getty Images)

Manchester United are monitoring Wolfsburg's £20m defender Ricardo Rodriguez, according to reports.

The Sun have reported that United have targeted the Swiss international this month with the club currently in the midst of a defensive injury crisis.

Luke Shaw, Marcos Rojo, Antonio Valencia and Ashley Young are all on the sidelines with problems.

Spanish giants Real Madrid are also interested in the 23-year-old.

Rodriguez has played for Wolfsburg against United this season.

Yesterday, United fans vented their anger towards Louis van Gaal after watching their team slump to a hugely disappointing 1-0 defeat to Southampton.

Van Gaal's claim last week that United were still in the hunt for the title now seems pure fantasy.

The 64-year-old observed his team slip five points behind fourth-placed Tottenham and 10 points adrift of leaders Leicester thanks to Charlie Austin's 87th-minute winner on his Saints debut.

United supporters booed their team off at half-time and following the conclusion of the game. The United fans have largely backed Van Gaal during matches, but the Dutchman was heckled like never before as he walked down the tunnel following Saturday's damaging defeat.

Van Gaal admitted after the final whistle that fans' support for him had sunk to an all-time low.

"Yes, because it was very clear," the United manager said when asked if it was the worst reaction he had heard to a result during his time in charge at Old Trafford.

"I can understand also because I have seen also a poor match.

"I cannot change that feeling. I can only work hard with my players to improve our game.

"I am disappointed. We have to change this. That is my job and not an easy job at the moment."