Manchester United Transfer News: Red Devils Take 'Next Cristiano Ronaldo' on Trial

Manchester United are reportedly leading the race to sign Benfica's Joao Filipe and Joao Virginia, having taken the duo on a trial.

Midfielder Filipe, who is dubbed the "next Cristiano Ronaldo", and goalkeeper Virginia are considered two of the best upcoming talents in Portugal, with several top clubs including Manchester City, Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal reportedly interested in them.

Although Benfica, who have already rejected an offer for Filipe, are reportedly desperate to keep the duo at the Estádio da Luz, the Portuguese side has not been able to offer them long-term contracts due to both of the players being under the age of 16.

And now United, who snapped up Ronaldo from Sporting Lisbon, are reportedly trying to lure the duo away from Portugal by offer them trials.

If they manage to impress at Old Trafford, the Red Devils may offer the duo a permanent deal.

Meanwhile, new manager Louis van Gaal is all set to take up the reins at Old Trafford after leading the Netherlands to a third place finish in the 2014 World Cup.

There will be high hopes on the 62-year-old boss, who has reportedly asked all the players to dine together in an attempt to improve the team chemistry, to improve Manchester United's performances following their poor campaign under David Moyes last season.

And former United reserves and youth coach Rene Meulensteen feels that his compatriot van Gaal will be able to turn things around at Old Trafford.

"I don't think it will faze Louis van Gaal at all in that respect, there are no worries there. He will only thrive on it to some extent," Meulensteen told Sky News.

"But you really notice it when you're really getting into the routine, especially when you're going into pre-season and you see the massive popularity of the club and brand, that's what it is. To maintain that they have to get back up very, very quickly."

Meulensteen claims that van Gaal has his own style of managing, to which he strictly adheres no matter what the consequences. And he feels that the players will have to accept his style in order for the club to move forward.

"He's got his own management style, which has thrown up a few difficulties along the way wherever he's been, Barcelona or Bayern Munich because of the way that he is, the way he puts himself in front of players.

"Players accept it or players sometimes don't. If they don't accept it, then yeah you probably have a problem."