It has seemed almost inevitable, since Louis van Gaal took charge at the club that Roma and Holland star Kevin Strootmman will move to Manchester United.
After Louis van Gaal publicly declared his interest in the player Manchester United fans were thinking about when rather than if, in terms of the signing of the classy powerhouse.
But his latest quotes may suggest that it’s not a done deal.
‘Of course everybody wants to play for Barcelona or Real Madrid, but they don’t come looking for you so quickly in the Eredivisie,’ he said.
‘There are odd exceptions, but in general their scouts tend to look around at higher levels.’
While Manchester United’s midfield has improved this season Michael Carrick can’t be expected to run things in their for too much longer. At 33 the team is still heavily reliant on his composure and passing ability. Strootman can do all this and more – he has a real eye for goal and can dominate games from the engine room. Overall, he’s more box-to-box than Carrick.
Many expected United to make a move in January, with Roma now out of The Champions League. But these latest comments have certainly shed some doubt on proceedings. Manchester United will have to avoid complacency if they want to add Strootman to their ranks in the next two windows.
