Man Utd transfers: how new signings will fit in - pictures

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Manchester United fans will be demanding a tilt at the title this season after a second summer of mammoth spending by manager Louis van Gaal.

The Dutch manager was tasked with rebuilding the club after the departure of Alex Ferguson and the shortlived reign of David Moyes and has chosen to do so with the most expensive materials he can get his hands on.

The United team which takes to the field against Spurs this Saturday could well feature not a single survivor from Ferguson's final team, which drew 5-5 againt West Brom in in May 2013.

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So far this summer Van Gaal has brought in five new recruits, with the promise of more to follow. Meanwhile the likes of Robin van Persie, Angel di Maria and Radamel Falcao have been discarded, prompting talk of a new formation.

So how will the Man Utd new boys fit in?

Sergio Romero - goalkeeper - Sampdoria - Free

Much depends on the future of current number one David de Gea, who is wanted by Real Madrid, and Romero could find himself as first-choice United keeper if De Gea goes. If not the 28-year-old is likely to play understudy to the Spaniard. However, the Argentine was Van Gaal's number one for two seasons at AZ Alkmaar and could get the long term job even if De Gea can be persuaded to stay for another season.

Prospects: Benchwarner (this season)

Matteo Darmian – defender - Torino - £12.7m

After signing Italian international Darmian, Van Gaal announced that he would be back up to last season's right back Antonio Valencia, a converted midfielder, much to the astonishment of fans. However, Darmian has been playing in the pre-season matches and has performed well, so it would be a surprise if he is left out. "Darmian's experience with the position should trump Valencia's... and make the Italian the number one choice," says Bleacher Report.

Prospects: First XI

Morgan Schneiderlin - midfielder - Southampton - £25m

United suddenly have a surfeit of midfielders, and Schneiderlin, who was courted by several other Premier League clubs, now finds himself competing with the likes of Daley Blind, Ander Herrera, Michael Carrick and even Marouane Fellaini for a place in the middle of the park. It is here that issues of formation come to the fore, but Scheniederlin is used to 4-3-3 and its deviations, which many expect United to play. Yahoo describes him as "a sharp and astute reader of the game", who will help solve Van Gaal's midfield concerns.

Prospects: First XI

Sebastian Schweinsteiger - midfielder - Bayern Munich - £14.4m

Will the German prosper at Old Trafford? His former boss at Bayern Munich, Pep Guardiola, has raised questions about the 31-year-old's fitness, and Sky notes that "he has had an indifferent start to his United career" and was criticised by Van Gaal during pre-season. However, so intelligent and versatile is the German that it is hard to see him being omitted. His arrival could "signal the end of Carrick's role as a first-team regular," says a separate Sky report. "The German is two years younger and... scores more goals, produces more assists and is a more effective passer of the ball."

Prospects: First XI

Memphis Depay - forward - PSV Eindhoven - £31m

Great things are expected of the Dutch forward, who will presumably take over from Angel di Maria in the front three this season, and provide service for central striker Wayne Rooney. "He loves to be on the ball, runs at the opposition, likes to get a shot away and plays with aggression," says ESPN. "Moving to United and the Premier League is a big step up, so it may be a while until we see the best of him but he certainly looks like an exciting player to have around."

Prospects: First XI