Paul Scholes: 'The 5 players I would sign for Manchester United'

1. Xabi Alonso

Age: 32 Club: Real Madrid | Country: Spain Position: Midfielder Previous clubs: Real Sociedad, Eibar (loan), Liverpool International caps: 114 | Goals: 16 Career transfer fees: £41m

• Paul's verdict:

Alonso has that quality United lack. He is not the quickest but never was. He has a superb range of passing. He can shoot too.

2. Sami Khedira

Age: 27 Club: Real Madrid | Country: Germany Position: Midfielder Previous club Stuttgart International caps: 51 | International goals: 5 Career transfer fees: £12m

• Paul's verdict

Khedira is a footballer with confidence. His passing is more limited than Xabi Alonso but he has great qualities.

3. Angel Di Maria

Age: 26 Club: Real Madrid | Country: Argentina Position: Winger Previous clubs: Rosario, Benfica International caps: 52 | Goals: 10 Career transfer fees: £27m

• Paul's verdict:

Di Maria would bring that excitement to home games. His pace and ability to go past people would lift the crowd.

4. Mats Hummels

Age: 25 Club: Borussia Dortmund | Country: Germany Position: Defender Previous club: Bayern Munich International caps: 36 | Goals: 4 Career transfer fees: £4m

• Paul's verdict:

Hummels has said he is committed to Dortmund but he has the sort of experience that United need in defence.

5. Raphaël Varane

Age: 21 Club: Real Madrid | Country: France Position: Defender Previous club: Lens International caps: 11 | Goals: 0 Career transfer fees: £8m

• Paul's verdict:

I like Varane and I feel that his chances might be limited again this season.