There have been many points this season when Manchester United have lacked pace in their side and this is becoming a serious problem for Louis van Gaal.

Under Sir Alex Ferguson, Manchester United never lacked pace in their side and were often lethal on the counter. Nowadays, United simply do not carry the same threat on the break, with Angel Di Maria one of a select few that actually possesses a strong amount of pace.

It is no secret that United will have a huge budget in the summer in order to purchase some of the finest talent on the planet. Van Gaal will be desperate to add some speed to his side in the summer, especially if United qualify for the Champions League this season.

In light of these problems, here are FIVE possible targets Van Gaal should look consider:

Memphis Depay

Netherlands v Chile - FIFA World Cup Brazil 2014 - Group B

Louis Van Gaal will be hoping that already working with Memphis Depay for the Netherlands international team will be an advantage should he seek to pursue the exciting Dutch winger this summer. The 21-year-old is in fine form for PSV Eindhoven, scoring an impressive 15 goals in 20 appearances in the Eredivisie this season.

According to 101greatgoals.com, PSV manager Phillip Cocu is resigned to losing his star player this summer, and Depay is showing more than enough quality to move to a ‘bigger’ European league at the end of this season. Usually played on the left wing, Depay could bring an abundance of pace to Old Trafford as well as having youth on his side. If United choose to make a move, it could prove to be an excellent investment in both the long and short term for the Red Devils.

Mauro Icardi

Mauro Icardi

Another young player that has attracted a host of interest across Europe, Mauro Icardi has been one of Inter Milan’s stand-out performers this season. The striker has 14 goals in 23 Serie A appearances so far this season and the 22-year-old is blessed with good pace and a natural finishing ability.

Should they not seek to retain the services of Radamel Falcao, Manchester United will need some fresh blood up front, and Robin van Persie isn’t getting any younger. Icardi would add youth and quality to the United frontline, providing another valuable option in the attacking third.

Paulo Dybala

Dybala

One of the hottest prospects in European football, Dybala will likely attract a lot of interest summer transfer window opens. The Palermo forward has scored 12 goals in 23 Serie A games, as well as providing an impressive seven assists. Dybala would add pace and creativity to United’s attacking options, and at just 21-years-old, has the potential to improve if he is given the opportunity to do so.

The Daily Star reports that a fee in the region of £30 million would be enough to acquire the talented Argentine forward but rumoured interest from Borussia Dortmund means that United should move fast if they want to sign Dybala.

Cristiano Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo

It is no secret that Crisitano Ronaldo could return to Old Trafford one day and the Balon D’or winner would add priceless ability to United’s attacking force. At 30-years-old, Ronaldo would be a hugely expensive signing, but Manchester United have the funds to afford a move for a player of Ronaldo’s quality.

He may be entering the latter stages of his career, but Ronaldo still boasts lethal pace and movement, something United have lacked a lot this season. It may be unlikely that the former Old Trafford star will leave Real Madrid this summer, but if there is even a slight inkling that Ronaldo could be available, you would expect United to be at the front of the queue to acquire the Portuguese star’s services.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

St Etienne forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

Dortmund have had a torrid time in the Bundesliga this season but Aubameyang has maintained a steady run of form. The Gabon international has scored nine goals and provided four assists in 21 Bundesliga appearances this season and if Van Gaal wants to add pace to his squad, there is no better option than Aubameyang.

At just 25 years of age, he is still a player that has a lot to offer. If United do express an interest in the summer, they may represent an attractive option for one of the fastest players in the world.