Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has identified the holding midfield position as a key area which needs strengthening over the Summer transfer window.

United have been closely linked with Borussia Dortmund’s in demand midfielder Ilkay Gundogan and are ‘continuing to monitor’ the Germany international according to the Telegraph.

“The No. 6 is one of the key roles. We have seen this season, with Michael Carrick, that he has spent a lot of time injured,” Van Gaal was quoted as saying by ESPN.

“I don’t have another right-footed player who can play there so I have had to use Herrera there. He has done it very well, but it isn’t his specialist position.

“I’ve also played Rooney there. It isn’t his favourite position but I have had to use him in that role.

“So it is a key role but I can’t discuss it further because then I show too much.”

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Manchester United are expected to face stiff competition for Gundogan’s signature.

The Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo has claimed that the German International has already passed a medical with Barcelona and is close to agreeing personal terms with the Catalan club.

The Dortmund star is also reported to have attracted interest from Manchester City according to the Manchester Evening News.

Gündoğan has four assists and three goals in 32 appearances for Dortmund despite spending much of the season out injured.