It has been no secret that Manchester United have been actively pursuing Roma’s Kevin Strootman this season, with a host of reports repeatedly linking the midfielder with a summer move to Old Trafford.
Louis van Gaal has often spoke of the balance he needs to bring to his team and Strootman was clearly the man identified to provide that.
However, this month United were dealt a blow in their chase for him however after Roma boss Rudi Garcia confirmed that the 25-year-old had been ruled out for the rest of the season with a knee injury.
Ex-Roma doctor has also cast doubt over Strootman’s future by admitting he was worried for his long-term future and didn’t feel the surgery went completely to plan.
It would be a huge gamble for United to bring in a player who has now suffered two major knee injuries in two years, so we asked our Twitter followers to give their thoughts on who the club could sign instead:
@PeoplesPerson_ Pogba. If not him, then Nainggolan and Schneiderlin. Both pretty good, ready for the next step and have potential.
— #AshArmy (@NotAManCantona) February 24, 2015
@PeoplesPerson_ Most sensible option would be Morgan Schneiderlin, knows the league and would be available.
— Stephen (@RedStephen76) February 24, 2015
@RedStephen76 @PeoplesPerson_ Nigel De Jong, Cheap, knows LVG and the league inside out and would address a lack of physical presence.
— Red Rants (@Red_Rants) February 24, 2015
@PeoplesPerson_ De Jong, Schneijderlin and I’m sure there’s a few more he can look at. How is Kondogbia getting on at Monaco?
— StrettyNews.com (@StrettyNews) February 24, 2015
@PeoplesPerson_ : Koke. Effective in defence and lethal in attack.
— Je suis Baga. (@smokeen) February 24, 2015
@StrettyNews @PeoplesPerson_ I’ve said it for a while, Blaise Matuidi would be a great signing (more realistic compared to buying Pogba)
— Raman Paul (@Raman7Paul) February 24, 2015
@PeoplesPerson_ Bryan Robson
— Stretford Dogs Club (@Stretford_Dogs) February 24, 2015
Fans are agreed on the sort of midfielder United need, although who exactly the club should buy is up for debate.
With the likes of Angel di Maria, Juan Mata, Adnan Januzaj in the middle of the park, United are crying out for a player who can provide a midfield presence for others to build on. Daley Blind and Michael Carrick have done that job this season to some extent but bringing in a world-class talent would undoubtedly improve the team.
