Manchester United XI: With Bastian Schweinsteiger and Morgan Schneiderlin set to join, Sportsmail looks at how Louis van Gaal's side could line up next season

• Manchester United are embarking on another summer spending spree 
• Club have already added Memphis Depay and Matteo Darmian 
• Bastian Schweinsteiger and Morgan Schneiderlin are also about to join
• Here is how United could line up on the opening day of the season
• READ: Manchester United announce Bastian Schweinsteiger transfer  
• Premier League news: CLICK HERE for all the latest 

By Laurie Whitwell for MailOnline

Published: 05:38 EST, 13 July 2015 | Updated: 15:00 EST, 13 July 2015

All of a sudden Louis van Gaal’s wish to have Manchester United’s transfer business concluded before flying out to the United States for pre-season is pretty close to fruition.

David Moyes may well look on ruefully from Sociedad at the memory of all those forlorn chases from two summers ago but chief executive Ed Woodward is delivering the goods for his Dutch successor.

Swift and purposeful, two words not associated with United in the market previously, these dealings have addressed key issues identifiable during the team’s struggles last season.

Bastian Schweinsteiger is on the verge of completing his move to Manchester United

Schweinsteiger poses on a plane as he flies to Manchester Airport to complete a move to United

Southampton midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin had a medical on Sunday ahead of a £25m move to United

Bastian Schweinsteiger in emotive promo as he leaves Munich

The buoyancy of displays in wins over Tottenham, Liverpool and Manchester City hinted at a path for success, but the foundations never seemed entirely secure and with a Champions League campaign ahead this kind of strengthening was essential.

At long last, central midfield has been given the individuals required. Sir Alex Ferguson was such a managerial wizard he was able to magic John O’Shea and Darron Gibson into a pairing capable of overcoming Arsenal in an FA Cup tie. That was only four years ago.

Ryan Giggs did a very good job during the run to the Champions League final of 2011, as Ferguson laughed in the face of logic.

Windows came and went with fans peering at possible recruits in that area of the team with increasing exasperation at a lack of action.

Next season Bastian Schweinsteiger and Morgan Schneiderlin could form a partnership of poise and power not seen since the days of Roy Keane and Paul Scholes. Replicating that blend of dynamism and creativity is improbable, but the incoming duo offer an on-field balance echoed by their names. 

Louis van Gaal is a huge admirer of Michael Carrick but the Dutchman has strengthened the midfield

Ander Herrera was impressive towards the end of the season but could find his place in the side under threat

Schweinsteiger arrives at a bargain £15million. At 30 he has won all there is to win and was as stylish as ever during his country’s World Cup success. Injuries disrupted his last campaign but his Champions League nous will be crucial. 

Schneiderlin – age 25, cost £25m – should complement the German to provide an iron-tight core to United’s side, previously bypassed with ease at times.

Michael Carrick is the metronome that has kept United ticking for years, and Van Gaal is a huge admirer, but his injury problems meant help was needed.

United completed the signing of Italian right back Matteo Darmian from Torino for £14.4million

Manchester United moved quickly to seal the £25m signing of Memphis Depay before the end of last season

Ander Herrera made an excellent case for inclusion towards the end of the last campaign so it will be interesting to see how that competition for places plays out. It is a selection dilemma the United manager wants.

The signing of Matteo Darmian for £14.4m from Torino offers a good solution to the right back conundrum. Rafael is a cult figure at Old Trafford but his exuberance and commitment to a challenge has not been refined as required. Antonio Valencia was always a temporary plaster in the role.

Darmian, described as the best wing back in Italy by Marco Materazzi, can defend and attack. Useful. At 25, he also has years ahead. 

Wayne Rooney is the only senior striker still at the club from last season after Robin van Persie left

Spain and Real Madrid star Sergio Ramos is keen to move to Old Trafford

The same applies to Memphis Depay, 21, a talent to genuinely excite. The £25m purchase is likely to strike a position on the wing and exchange flanks with Angel di Maria, who surely must be better than last year. Depay could also play up front. 

Nevertheless, a striker of substance is next on the list with the departures of Robin van Persie and Radamel Falcao leaving Wayne Rooney, Javier Hernandez and James Wilson as the remaining centre forwards.

Central defence also ought to be added to with a character to match the heights of Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic at their peak. Sergio Ramos, who is set to become the Real Madrid captain virtue of being the longest-serving player following Iker Casillas exit, would fit that bill.

Memphis Depay: It's a dream come true to play for Man United

Victor Valdes was signed by Manchester United during last season and was back-up to David de Gea

David de Gea looks set to eventually gain his move in the opposite direction, with Victor Valdes ready to step up as No 1.

Whatever, a likely line-up features Rooney as the only player that was at United two summers ago.

A figure of more than £340m has been spent since. Van Gaal has a squad to show for it.

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