Dutch battler could be perfect signing for Man United
Published:
Rumours that Manchester United are preparing a £6m bid for Dutch midfielder Nigel de Jong should have Red Devils fans smiling.
New United boss Louis van Gaal has been charged with replacing the departed Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic, but by signing De Jong he may not have to.
The midfielder, known as The Lawnmower from his time in the Bundesliga, is exactly the sort of player that would allow the likes of Phil Jones, Chris Smalling and Jonny Evans to flourish in the absence of the more experienced centre backs.
De Jong’s conversion from an attacking to a defensive-minded operator, which originated during his time at Hamburg, has seen him become one of the most competent players in his position.
The protection he would offer the United back four would mean Van Gaal could put his trust in the trio of central defenders he already has at his disposal and free up funds for the creative midfield spark that the Old Trafford fans crave.
During his time with Manchester City De Jong proved that he has the passing range to link defence and attack in the blink of an eye and while he is infamous for that horror-challenge from the 2010 World Cup final there is more to his game than brute strength.
The latest in a long line of Dutchmen to be linked with United since Van Gaal’s appointment, De Jong, currently in Serie A with AC Milan, will have an opportunity to prove his worth to United’s new gaffer when Holland take on Chile to decide top spot in Group B.
The Oranje are priced as slight favourites for the crunch tie with Chile at 6/4, while the South Americans – many fans’ surprise package of the tournament thus far – can be backed at 9/5 to cause another upset.
So, with England already out of the competition, United fans should tune in to Holland v Chile to see what’s in store for them when the Premier League campaign kicks off.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
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