While I'm sure Van Gaal had his ideas regarding some of the positions that need strengthening, he might not have been as sure regarding the type of player we'll need. Centerhalves have different attributes, not to mention midfield players. So it's quite possible he gave a list of possibilities to explore, but wanted a bit of time before deciding who exactly to go for. I can't believe we shut up shop after Shaw and Herrera, and yet for all the talk of Vidal or Hummels or Vermaelan it's quite unclear as to what sort of progress we've made, what kind of bids we made - and more to the point, it doesn't seem there have been bids. Which makes me think we're actually waiting, or at least were, for Van Gaal's final go ahead.