Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal gets transfer advice from an unlikely source

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal was ambushed Thursday leaving the club's Carrington training ground by a young lad more interested in making a few suggestions than an autograph.

The Dutch manager was nice enough to sign a kit for this young fan, but must have been startled by what came next: a detailed tactical plan with transfer suggestions.

The pint-sized United supporter also provided some hypothetical options for the much rumoured departure of star shot-stopper David De Gea, suggesting Tottenham's Hugo Lloris as a replacement, with Bayer Leverkusen's Bernd Leno and Atletico Madrid's Jan Oblak as a backup plan should Spurs not be willing to meet the kid's demands.

If that wasn't enough, a comprehensive plan for centre-back and forward acquisitions follow, listing each player's release clause just in case Van Gaal had his checkbook handy.

Having already signed Morgan Schneiderlin, Matteo Darmian, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Memphis Depay, and Sergio Romero during this summer's transfer window, United still have a few holes to fill having lost out on Pedro's signing with Chelsea and Nicolas Otamendi's move to crosstown rivals Manchester City.

The Premier League transfer window closes Sept. 1, but don't bother offering the gaffer any instruction, he's already got one adviser on the payroll who's making peanuts ... and jelly beans or whatever kind of sweets he fancies.