The Red Devils lose out to Lazio over Stefan de Vrij.
Manchester United’s 22-year old central defensive target Stefan de Vrij has been snapped up by Italian side Lazio.
The Dutch defender impressed at the 2014 World Cup under new United boss Louis van Gaal, who reportedly held a big interest in him, but the 62-year old might now have to step up his efforts for other centre-back targets.
The Red Devils have not landed a central defender this summer despite the moving on of experienced pair Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic, and the English giants are under pressure to secure deals quickly before the season starts.
However, van Gaal is not rushing things as he is evaluating the likes of Chris Smalling, Phil Jones and Jonny Evans before he makes a move for another defensive signing.
It could well be that United want a bigger name signing as well, with the likes of Borussia Dortmund’s Mats Hummels and Thomas Vermaelen of Arsenal firmly on their radar this summer.