Sneijder forgotten as Man Utd turn to Germany to fill the midfield
Published:Sir Alex Ferguson’s quest to bring more midfield creativity to Old Trafford has lead the Scot to turn his attentions to Borussia Dortmund’s Mario Goetze, after becoming frustrated with the Wesley Sneijder saga.
Reportedly United scouts were in Germany to watch Goetze’s performance last week in an international friendly with Brazil; a match in which the 19-year-old ran the midfield and also got himself on the score sheet.
Goetze was part of the Dortmund side that were crowned Bundesliga champions last season and is currently rated as one of the best young prospects in Germany.
As is often the case with exciting young talents, they immediately become linked with Europe’s top clubs and it is no surprise to learn that both Barcelona and Real Madrid, as well as United, have been keeping a close eye on the playmaker.
Dortmund will be reluctant to let a young player of such quality leave the club and are thought to value the German international, under contract until 2014, at £20million.
United have been left frustrated in their attempts to sign Sneijder from Inter Milan with the biggest stumbling block thought to be the £200,000 a week wages the Dutch international enjoys in Italy.
Bringing Goetze to Old Trafford would prove a cheaper option for United and would also fit in with the club’s current policy of buying young players who have a resale value.
Sniejder is currently 27 and although entering the prime age for a player, the huge outlay for his services may be difficult to justify as this would likely be his last big money move.
United are favourites to retain their Premier League crown this season at 11/8, but despite some encouraging performances already this season they are aware their chances of success will increase with the addition of a creative midfielder to replace Paul Scholes.
