Check out the five stars of the Oranje that new manager Louis van Gaal could bring to Old Trafford this summer.
New Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal will take up his position at Old Trafford as soon as his 2014 FIFA World Cup campaign with The Netherlands ends, with the transfer rumour mill suggesting that van Gaal is interested in bringing a number of the Oranje’s stars with him. The fact that the Dutch have been so impressive in the tournament so far, vanquishing reigning champions Spain as well as Australia, means that United fans are sure to be excited at the prospect of these names arriving at Old Trafford in the transfer window.
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1) Daley Blind
Despite Robin van Persie and Arjen Robben scoring the goals, it was arguably Ajax wing back Daley Blind who was the star of Holland’s stunning 5-1 victory over Spain in their opening World Cup match. The 24 year-old was solid defensively and caused havoc going forward from van Gaal’s five-man defence, lifting a delightful chipped through ball over the Spain defence to allow van Persie to equalise with a diving header just before half-time. Blind has already been linked with a summer move to Old Trafford as the Reds look to replace Patrice Evra at left back.
2) Bruno Martins Indi
Another Dutch defender who has been linked with a move to follow van Gaal to Lancashire is centre back Bruno Martins Indi, a stylish and strong performer who has all of the attributes needed to develop into the complete modern central defender. The 22 year-old turns out for Eredivisie side Feyenoord, where he has made upwards of 100 appearances, but is likely to be moving on this summer after proving all that he can in Dutch domestic football.
3) Daryl Janmaat
Right back Daryl Janmaat has also been mentioned as a possible target for van Gaal, with Brazilian Rafael still yet to make the position his own at Old Trafford despite showing early promise. Another Feyenoord star, Janmaat has 18 caps for the Oranje and has made over 150 Eredivisie performances in spells with ADO Den Haag, Heerenveen and now Feyenoord. Comfortable both going forward and defending, Janmaat could represent a cost-effective option for val Gaal to strengthen a defence that struggled at times last season.
4) Jordy Clasie
Talented 22 year-old central midfielder Jordy CLasie has been mooted as an option for van Gaal when it comes to strengthening a central midfield that came in for so much criticism last season, with the Feyenoord starlet seen as an integral part of the future of Dutch football. Clasie has made 98 Eredivisie performances for his club, plus 34 on loan at Excelsior, giving him an impressive amount of experience for a player of such tender years, whilst he has also been capped by his country at all of the ages levels upwards from Under 18s.
5)Memphis Depay
Powerful and quick, young PSV Eindhoven forward Memphis Depay already has a World Cup goal to his name after firing in a long-range winner against Australia in Group B. The 20 year-old is seen as Holland’s most exciting attacking prospect, having already scored 17 goals for PSV in the Eredivisie and got off the mark for the Oranje at such a young age. The one area of the pitch where United look well stocked is in attack, however, meaning that van Gaal may be reluctant to pay a significant fee despite being strongly linked with Depay.
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