Dutch defender doing chances of Manchester United move no harm
Published:Given that Holland boss Louis van Gaal has such a close affinity to the players he is attempting to march to glory in Brazil, it’s only natural he’ll be sizing up one or two Oranje stars to bring with him to Old Trafford.
On the surface, Van Gaal may be concentrating on his role as the Dutch coach at the World Cup, but a man with his vast managerial experience will certainly have Manchester United recruitment firmly on his mind.
As United’s new leader, one area of the pitch in desperate need of attention is in the heart of defence and in 22-year-old Feyenoord centre-back Stefan de Vrij, he could well be harbouring a prime candidate.
De Vrij has been operating as one of three Dutch centre-halves at the World Cup and alongside club teammate Bruno Martins Indi and Aston Villa’s Ron Vlaar he’s looked very assured.
A wonder goal from Tim Cahill and two dubious penalties aside, the threesome have proved a commanding force at the back for Holland, who are now 4/11 favourites to win Group B and 8/1 shots for World Cup glory.
De Vrij is quick to cover ground and adept at robbing attackers in possession, while at 6ft 2 he;’s no slouch in the air either.
Given the dual Old Trafford departures of central-defensive stalwarts Rio Ferdinand (doing a fine job in the BBC World Cup studio) and captain Nemanja Vidic this summer, Van Gaal has no choice but to replenish.
Jonny Evans has proved a class performer on his day, but those days have been severely limited through injury, while heir apparent Phil Jones is yet to prove himself in that position over a long stretch.
Meanwhile, Chris Smalling is an able deputy but not a world class operator.
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