Van Gaal Eyes A Familiar Face For United - Why Dutch Defender Should Move To Old Trafford

As it stands, Manchester United’s centre-back options are Phil Jones, Chris Smalling and Jonny Evans.  With veterans Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic having left Old Trafford, there is now a very youthful look to the Red Devils’ backline.  The arrival of 18-year-old left-back Luke Shaw is only further proof of that.

According to the Express, there is another young defender on United’s radar.  The Manchester club’s incoming manager and current Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal is reported to be keen on recruiting Oranje centre-back Stefan de Vrij for his new side.

Making his debut for Feyenoord in 2009 at the tender age of 17, de Vrij has impressively gone on to feature 153 times for the Dutch club in all competitions.  Becoming a regular in the side whilst still being so young is evidence of his quality, with the Eredivisie allowing such players to receive the game time and experience that the likes of Jones and Smalling have been unable to get in the Premier League.

Scoring his first international goal in the Netherlands’ 5-1 demolition of Spain at the World Cup, there could be more good times ahead for de Vrij if a move to United materialises.  The 22-year-old would find himself at one of the biggest clubs in the world playing under a manager who knows him well, with the Red Devils’ disappointing last campaign easing the pressure and lowering expectations to a certain extent.

It is highly unlikely that next season will see United struggle anywhere near as much as they did last year.  By becoming a part of the club’s next generation under van Gaal, de Vrij would allow himself the chance to lead the 13-time Premier League champions back to glory and become a hero at Old Trafford.

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