You could probably count on your fingers how many Manchester United fans miss the reign of Louis van Gaal.

Moving on from the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson was never going to be easy, but the tenures of David Moyes and Van Gaal certainly stunted the process. There's still a long way to go under Jose Mourinho yet it seems the club is finally making great strides again in the Premier League.

Van Gaal frustrated supporters for two years with defensive football and inconsistent results, despite a fleeting return to the Champions League and an FA Cup victory.

Another particular cause of annoyance during Van Gaal's reign lay with his choice of signings.

There was success in the form of Anthony Martial and Ander Herrera, but the captures of Radamel Falco, Angel di Maria, Victor Valdes and Memphis Depay were ill-judged at best.

Louis van Gaal opens on his Man Utd transfer dealings

Furthermore, the Dutchman has made some admonitions in a recent interview with SportBild that has shed even more light on his transfer moves at Old Trafford.

It seems the ex-Bayern Munich manager was certainly ambitious but one decision in particular one appears downright painful now.

Van Gaal directed a great deal of attention to German football for his transfer targets and one man on his hit-list was none other than Mats Hummels. However, despite being interested in the move, he pulled out of an approach after Borussia Dortmund finished seventh in the league.

Van Gaal changed his mind on Mats Hummels

He revealed: "I wanted to sign Hummels for Manchester United. But because at that time he was coming out of a poorer season, we didn't do it in the end."

Come again? 

Since that summer of 2015, Hummels has moved to Bayern Munich and is widely regarded as one of the finest defenders in world football.

Even when Van Gaal decided against a move for him, the German was still a World Cup winner and the prize possession in Dortmund's defence. 

And the more that defensive problems irritate United now, the more the decision looks embarrassing. The Red Devils would surely have more points in the bank with Hummels and Eric Bailly at centre-back all season. 

Bayern Munich rejected approach for Thomas Muller

In Van Gaal's defence, though, he did actually proceed with an approach for a top German target but Bayern weren't having any of it.

"I can confirm that I wanted Muller. But there was nothing we could do. FC Bayern made it clear that they would not sell him."

Do you think Man Utd would win the league with Hummels in their team? Have your say in the comments section below.