Man Utd Transfers: 10 Signings To Ensure Premier League Glory

By Andrew Pollard /

8. Kevin Strootman

Strootman has long been a favourite of Man Utd manager Louis Van Gaal€™s. During his reign as the Netherlands manager, Van Gaal went as a far as to say, €œNobody is untouchable or guaranteed a place in the team except Robben, Van Persie and Strootman. They are in a special position. The others will have to prove themselves.€ Even further showing his support for Strootman, LVG made him the national team€™s youngest captain since 1907 when he handed the then-22 year old midfielder the armband in a 2012 win over Andorra. Since arriving at Old Trafford last summer, Louis Van Gaal has been regularly linked with a move for Roma€™s Strootman. The big issue with the player, though, is his injury record. Strootman missed the 2014 World Cup after tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee when playing for the Giallorossi against Napoli in March. After returning in November, he then did further damage to his left knee in a game against Fiorentina, resulting in him likely to be ruled out for the rest of the season. In terms of style of play, Strootman is a no-nonsense midfielder in the mould of Roy Keane and there€™s no question that he would be a brilliant addition to the Utd starting line-up if he can prove his fitness, but that€™s a big if at this stage. Signing Strootman would be a massive risk, but this wouldn't be the first time that Utd signed a Dutchman after a career-threatening injury, mind. Ruud van Nistelrooy, anybody?