ManU completes final transfer moves amid slow start to Van Gaal era

Negotiations were in full swing at Old Trafford and the rest of the football world as the transfer deadline approached on September 1. Manchester United ended up with some exciting new signings, which will hopefully give Louis van Gaal’s side a boost.

One of the biggest coups for Manchester United from the most recent transfer period was the record-breaking signing of Angel di Maria from Real Madrid. The transfer fee (around 60 million pounds) set a record for British football.

I have come here to work for the team and I am prepared to play in any position. (Angel di Maria)

The Argentine international added that he had come to United to “help the team raise their game and also be an important team once again" – a perfect fit as Loius van Gaal attempts to restore the team to glory.

The Reds also secured the services of Colombia’s Radamel Falcao, on loan for one season from AS Monaco.

Manchester United is the biggest club in the world and is clearly determined to get back to the top. (Radamel Falcao)

Another exciting transfer is the signing of Ajax star Daley Blind to a four year contract. Blind featured in van Gaal’s squad for the Netherlands at the World Cup.

Win a jersey from ManU signed by all the new players!

The transfers – which also include Luke Shaw, Ander Herrera, and Marcos Rojo - come at a critical time for van Gaal and Manchester United. After starting the season on the wrong foot with a 2-1 home loss to Swansea, the Reds have only managed two draws in the Premier League. The Capital One Cup is now out of reach after a 4-0 loss in the second round to the MK Dons.

We are building up a team which you can’t make in one month, even one year. (Louis van Gaal)

However, the end of the transfer period means van Gaal has the final pieces in place to put his philosophy in motion. The players – old and new – are behind him all the way.

"It's obviously disappointing that we've only got one point on the board but it's like the manager has said - you've got to believe in his philosophy, which all the players are doing,” said forward Ashley Young in a recent interview.

Due to the international break, the Reds' next game is September 14, a home match against Queens Park Rangers.

The van Gaal era at Old Trafford may be off to a slow start, but the Dutch coach’s vision is clear, and DHL is looking forward to seeing how the season develops! To stay up to speed on the Reds this season, be sure to bookmark the sports feed on DHL InMotion.