Jamie Ireland
Manchester United have dropped out of the race to sign Cesc Fabregas, after new manager Louis van Gaal told them he did not want him.
The Manchester Evening News reports the Dutchman has made alterations to a list of transfer targets and given it to executive vice chairman Ed Woodward.
The major omission from the list is Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fabregas. The former Arsenal Captain has been a target for United over the last two summers.
However, van Gaal is looking to not only add creativity but power as well. He has replaced Fabregas with Netherlands midfielder Kevin Strootman.
Strootman has been linked with United in the past, when he was at PSV Eindhoven but he choose a move to Serie A runners up AS Roma.
Strootman fits the mould perfectly of a van Gaal controlling midfielder, aerial presence, shooting ability, power and most of all passing ability.
It will be an interesting decision for the player and will once again bring into focus the importance of a manager and club’s reputation in the modern transfer market.
Does he move and play for one of the most famous clubs in the world with a coach he trusts and knows?
OR does he stay, challenge Juventus for the Scudetto next season and play Champions League football for the first time in his career?
A difficult decision for Strootman to make, but I have no doubt he would improve United’s midfield.
