Manchester United are reportedly not targeting a move for Feyenoord’s Dutch defender Stefan de Vrij, despite consistent rumours that Louis van Gaal was interested in bringing his national team stalwart in to Old Trafford, as reported by Dutch radio station RTV Rijnmond.
De Vrij is considered one of the top young defenders in Europe, and impressed heavily at this summer’s World Cup. Van Gaal selected him for every match as the Dutch national side reached the semi finals, eventually finishing in third place.
Along with Arjen Robben, the central defender was one of two players in Van Gaal’s side who were selected in the Team of the Tournament.
It was no surprise that De Vrij was heavily linked with a move to Man Utd this summer. Van Gaal is seeking to implement his 3-5-2 formation at his new club, but the defence needs significant reconstruction work.
The Old Trafford club have only three central defenders available to them – Jonny Evans, Phil Jones and Chris Smalling. It would have made sense for Van Gaal to turn to a defender he clearly trusts, who is already used to the new system, to build a back three around.
De Vrij scored his first international goal at the World Cup against Spain.
