Hugo Lloris keen on Manchester United transfer

COMMENT By Kris Voakes Not since the period between 1988 and 1991 have Manchester United had to watch three successive title races take place without them. Under Ferguson, United always spent money, but had less need to heavily stock their lineup with established stars such as Chelsea or later, Manchester City, and The Red Devils’ two Champions League-winning squads were built largely on homegrown players.

The point, which was illustrated so often in 2014/15, is that Herrera was one of United’s most influential players. David Moyes inherited a Premier League winning team under Ferguson and couldn’t even lead it in Europe with the support of multiple high-profile signings.

United were right to pursue Ramos given the immediate boost that he would have given to their squad and there is still great room for optimism given the players they have already signed this summer and the fact that Barcelona’s Pedro may still arrive.

Given some of the eye-catching purchases these past few months, it feels uncharitable to be critical of chief executive Ed Woodward and boss Louis van Gaal.

United have demand – and got – an additional £3m out of PSG for Angel Di Maria after he flew to Qatar for a medical without the club’s permission.

Should they lose their No.1, another goalkeeping addition beyond Sergio Romero will doubtless be sought, but Van Gaal has at least identified and addressed weaknesses elsewhere.

“It’s completely down to the player and his attitude”.

Pedro wore the same number last season and will continue to wear it for the forthcoming campaign, the Catalan giants have confirmed.

Van Gaal hasn’t quite been able to complete the set though.