5 Players from Premier League Clubs Manchester United Would Love to Sign

The size and stature of Manchester United means they are always interested in the best players in the world.

They expect to win, or at least compete, for the biggest prizes and have to shop at the top end of the market to build a team capable of doing that.

But while they employ a scouting network that covers almost every inch of the planet, in the past they have had success in acquiring some of the best players the Premier League has to offer.

Michael Carrick, signed from Tottenham in 2006, has become central to United's recent success while both Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie were signed from domestic rivals. 

This summer, David Moyes has been linked with moves for Leighton Baines and Marouane Fellaini from former club Everton. But which Premier League players would genuinely improve United?

Gareth Bale is an obvious choice, but if he's going to regularly produce the form he showed at Tottenham last season, there isn't a club in the world that couldn't accommodate him. 

Antonio Valencia, Ashley Young and Nani all struggled to find their best form last season and Bale's blistering pace and eye for goal would improve the Premier League champions, just as he would any team in the world.

It's unlikely to ever happen, but even United fans would be forced to admit David Silva would be a welcome addition. 

The Spain international didn't have his best season last year, but there are few players that can unlock a defence with one well-disguised pass like he can.

When Juan Mata was linked with a move to Old Trafford as part of the deal to take Wayne Rooney to Chelsea, the reaction from United fans was telling.

Responses to the story—denied by Chelsea—ranged from 'yes, please' to 'I'd bite their hand off'. 

The 25-year-old has been one of the Premier League's stand-out players since arriving at Stamford Bridge from Valencia two years' ago, and would clearly be welcomed in Manchester.

While Gareth Bale, David Silva and Juan Mata might be dream signings for David Moyes, his real problem area is in the centre of midfield. 

His pursuit of Cesc Fabregas is evidence that he appreciates the need to strengthen, and in the Premier League, there are few better midfielders than Jack Wilshere. 

Again, it's unlikely to happen, but he would solve a big problem for Moyes ahead of his first season as United manager.

Like Jack Wilshere, Mousa Dembele would fill a desperate need at United.

He played at Old Trafford twice in the opening month of last season—for Fulham and then Tottenham—and was outstanding both times.

But given his impact in his first season at White Hart Lane, Tottenham will want to keep hold of the Belgium midfielder.