Sign up to the Independent's betting newsletter for the latest tips and offers Sign up to the Independent's betting newsletter
Robin van Persie has revealed Manchester United 's level of desire to close the gap on Chelsea next season, suggesting the club will spend £200m this summer on new players.
The club spent big this time last year after a disastrous season under David Moyes in which the club finished seventh in the Premier League. The arrivals of Angel Di Maria, Radamel Falcao, Ander Herrera, Luka Shaw, Marcos Rojo and Daley Blind had varying impacts but collectively ensured the club returned to the Champions League.
Having achieved the minimum requirement expected of him, Louis van Gaal will be targeting the title next season and according to compatriot Van Persie, will be given the funding to help the bid.
"United spent £200m on players last year and they are going to spend another £200m this summer so we will have a team that can compete for the title," the Dutch striker said between the Netherland's post-season fixtures, the latest of which saw them lose 4-3 to the USA.
Manchester United have been linked with a number of targets, including a new goalkeeper if David De Gea departs, Daniel Alves, Raheem Sterling, Dante, Morgan Schneiderlin, Gareth Bale, Karim Benzema and Bastian Schweinsteiger.
Show all 24 1 /24Manchester United season player ratings Manchester United season player ratings GOALKEEPERS: David De Gea Easily the side's best player this season, the Spanish goalkeeper saved United numerous times this season. The best goalkeeper in the Premier League this season, it will be a huge task to replace him. 9.5/10
Getty Images
Manchester United season player ratings Victor Valdes Showed in the final game at Hull the full range of his game - an absolutely brilliant shot-stopper but weak under the high ball. A capable stop-gap if De Gea does leave, but United need someone better. 5
Getty Images
Manchester United season player ratings DEFENDERS: Rafael Da Silva Totally lost the trust of Van Gaal this season and started just six Premier League games, with the Dutch coach preferring to play Antonio Valencia in the out of position. Seemingly has no future at the club. 2
GETTY IMAGES
Manchester United season player ratings Luke Shaw Didn't come close to justifying his £30m price-tag, the left-back was out of favour for a long time before earning his place in the team after months in the wilderness. But his continued struggles with injury and fitness and some really mixed performances leave Shaw with a long way to go before he makes it at Old Trafford. 3
Getty
Manchester United season player ratings Jonny Evans Entered the season as the club's senior centre-back but his poor performances proved that he needs a leader next to him, Evans is not cut out for that role. One of the players who could be heading for the exit as Van Gaal looks to upgrade at the back. 3
Getty Images
Manchester United season player ratings Paddy McNair Started as many games as Evans (12) and despite some up and down showings, has plenty of potential at just 20-year-old. 5.5
Getty Images
Manchester United season player ratings Marcos Rojo Asked to play in a variety of positions the no-nonsense Argentina international has become a favourite amongst United fans. Always an A+ for effort, even if is slightly below being truly top quality. 7
GETTY IMAGES
Manchester United season player ratings Tyler Blackett Like McNair was thrust into the first-team but struggled to hold down a place after Van Gaal ditched his 3-5-2 formation. Still only 21, Blackett has the athletic gifts to become a solid Premier League player. 4
AFP/Getty
Manchester United season player ratings Phil Jones Phil Jones is decent but he's no Jaap Stam, Nemanja Vidic or Rio Ferdinand. He's too clumsy in possession and too reliant on his athleticism. United must upgrade their defence and find somebody better than the England man. 6
Getty Images
Manchester United season player ratings Chris Smalling A really pleasant surprise this season has been the development of Smalling, who has become much more assured on the ball and a vocal leader of the defence. Always had the defensive nous and athletic gifts but is adding other parts to his game. 7.5
GETTY IMAGES
Manchester United season player ratings Antonio Valencia Has had to play out of position for much of the season and done a good job in tough circumstances. But every United fan will know that Valencia shouldn't have a future in the position. 7.5
GETTY IMAGES
Manchester United season player ratings MIDFIELDERS: Daley Blind Played in just about every position in defence and midfield this season and did a solid job in all of them. A great player to have in a squad, Blind's best position may well be at left-back. A Van Gaal favourite and for good reason. 7.5
Manchester United season player ratings Ander Herrera After months of sitting and watching on the sidelines, Herrera took the Premier League by storm in the second half of the season and became one of the better central midfielders in the division. Has no real weakness in his game. He has an eye for goal, is a great reader of the game, excellent in possession and is willing to do the hard graft. Should get even better next season 8.5
GETTY IMAGES
Manchester United season player ratings Michael Carrick Manchester United are much, much, much better with Carrick in the team - they won 12 of the 16 matches he started this season in the Premier League and easily played their best football. But therein lies the problem, Carrick failing to start the other 22 matches. 7
GETTY IMAGES
Manchester United season player ratings Darren Fletcher Sold in January, the Scottish midfielder returned from injury at the start of the season far removed from his previous self, unsurprisingly. 3
Manchester United season player ratings Juan Mata Another who was out of favour under Van Gaal before proving his worth, Mata enjoyed some brilliant highs and frustrating lows. Has unmatched quality but is still seen as a defensive weakness against strong opposition. Still, United are a much bigger attacking threat with the Spaniard in the side. 8
Getty Images
Manchester United season player ratings Ashley Young A revelation under Van Gaal, the winger has enjoyed his best season since arriving at the club, putting himself back in the mix for an England call up. Whether playing as a wing back or a more traditional winger, Young has been a consistent threat from the left. 8.5
GETTY IMAGES
Manchester United season player ratings Adnan Januzaj Hailed as the club's saviour under David Moyes, Januzaj has been absolutely awful this season, starting just seven Premier League matches and failing to record a goal or assist. Has a deserved reputation as a diver as well. 2
Getty Images
Manchester United season player ratings Angel Di Maria His struggles are well documented. £60m will bring a certain level of expectation and although Di Maria started promisingly, that quickly disappeared. Van Gaal wants to keep him but it wouldn't be a surprise if he left the club this summer. 3
GETTY IMAGES
Manchester United season player ratings Marouane Fellaini United fans still haven't taken to the big Belgian despite some match-winning performances. He's uncouth style isn't really in keeping with the traditions of the club and United have to play to his strengths when he's in the team. Still, he scored some important goals this season. 7
Getty Images
Manchester United season player ratings STRIKERS: James Wilson The teenager showed some promise and calmness in front of goal in limited minutes this season. Not yet ready for the first XI, he'd benefit from a couple of loan spells. 5
Getty Images
Manchester United season player ratings Radamel Falcao A complete flop. It's hard not to feel a twinge of sympathy for a striker who is clearly trying hard but lacking confidence and fitness. United's ponderous play didn't always help him, but he missed some sitters along the way. Will probably score a bucket load of goals next year for someone else. 2
GETTY IMAGES
Manchester United season player ratings Robin van Persie Started the season as Van Gaal's captain and main man and seems to be ending it heading for the exit. Injuries didn't help but United were always more potent when Wayne Rooney was leading the line. 4
Getty Images
Manchester United season player ratings Wayne Rooney Proved just how good he was as a striker when he was finally allowed to play there after a prolonged spell in midfield. He did OK in a deeper role, but the side loses so much with Rooney out of the danger area. Van Gaal must build his team for next season around Rooney as his main main up front. 8.5
GETTY IMAGES
Whilst new arrivals look a certainty, the future of Van Persie himself is unsure. With one year remaining on his contract it's thought the club could look to sell the former Arsenal striker rather than letting him leave for free in 12 months, The player himself is also considering his position.
"It is my ambition to play as many games as possible (next season). I feel fitter than ever," he said.
"And I know that the more games I play, the more it will help me prepare for the European Championships [in France] next summer.
"I will take everything into consideration when I decide on my future and I know I have to be realistic about the situation."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies