Manchester United have been looking for a midfield dominator for years – many believe that the club has never replaced Roy Keane who left the club nearly a decade ago.
But, if persistent reports are to be believed then Louis van Gaal is certain that he has found just the man. And that is, of course, Roma’s Kevin Strootman.
Strootman will turn out for Roma tomorrow night when they play their make or break Champions League game with Manchester City. Win and Roma will progress to the knockout phase at the expense of Manchester United’s arch rivals.
But if Roma don’t progress there is a greater likelihood that Strootman could make the move in January.
Having failed to quell reports which have linked him to Manchester United for months, some fans of the Rome club have jeered the player since his return to action – Strootman has made three substitute appearances and started the last game against Sassuaolo.
The Telegraph reports:
Strootman’s failure to play down the United links has contributed to the Roma fans booing him in recent weeks, however.
He has been jeered by supporters for apparently being at fault for CSKA Moscow’s stoppage time equaliser in Russia last month – a campaign of targeting described as “disrespectful” by Roma sporting director Walter Sabatini.
At 24 he is in a crucial phase of his career. After such a long absence not all players return to the same level as before. But Strootman has youth on his side and a move to Manchester United looks ever more likely.
So much so that a Dutch journalist who recently wrote a book about Van goal said:
“Van Gaal asked in that conversation if Strootman would be interested to play for Manchester United,” Borst said. “They have already shaken hands.”
Let’s see him in action. Manchester United fans: would you prefer a Roma defeat of City or Strootman to sign in January?
Imran
Dec 10, 2014 at 11:52 pm
He did not even feature tonight. It’s a shame i really wanted to see how he does against City. Well at least the media will be busy reporting feeble stories tomorrow!