Manchester United is reportedly brewing another multi-million transfer deal that would help them land Milan midfielder Nigel de Jong, a source close to situation reported on Saturday.
"Manchester United is about to make the surprise move of the season--the team is confirmed to be all set to sign Nigel de Jong. With virtually nonexistent budget concerns at Old Trafford, the United management would love to invest more in the transfer window, particularly in its defense," according to the Internationa Business Times.
Just weeks into his manager role at Old Trafford, Louis Van Gaal has already received positive feedback from the franchise's top brass following the Red Devils' impressive stint at the International Champions Cup.
Many pundits believe Gaal will eventually see the realization of his 3-5-2 system with the acquisition of another solid midfielder before the transfer window expires. Apparently, De Jong is being eyed as the man who would complete his vision for Manchester United.
"The 3-5-2 system needs to have complete midfielders to work. De Jong has the skill and stubbornness to contribute to this goal," according to IBT.
De Jong, who played for Gaal for the Neatherlands this World Cup, could be a nice addition to Manchester United because of his ability to make plays on both ends of the pitch. He may not be an excellent playmaker, but he has proven over his career that he can make plays when needed.
Moreover, he's known for giving hard tackles on opponents - including a bone-crunching tackle on Xavi in the final of the 2010 World Cup. His presnece on the field would certainlt give the Red Devils defense anolther fiesty personnel willing to go toe-to-toe at all times.
"Everybody wants to be an attacker and score goals, but I always preferred to make a tackle or get the ball from some opponent," De Jong said in an interview with FourFourTwo. "As a striker you can't recover as many balls."
"I have to protect my back four, but I also have to be a big part for the attacking players, to give them the ball so they can make connections," he added. "It's a bit of both ways."
Another plus in acquiring De Jong is his leadership skills which Manchester United direly needed after falling apart last season under the tutelage of sacked manager David Moyes.
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