The blue part of Manchester might have did huge favour to the Red part of the city by beating AS Roma to qualify for the knock out rounds of the Champions League at the expense of the Italian club. After that result various rumours have linked the Italian to join United for 30 million in the winter window.
Manchester United’s interest in the enigmatic box to box midfielder is one of the worst kept secret of all time. In the summer, his name was constantly linked with United. Surprisingly, many earmarked him only to move in January due to his injury problems. So with the window approaching, his name has been appearing all over the media linking him with United.
And if one has to believe Dutch journalist Hugo Borst book, Strootman has already shaken his hands with Van Gaal in the presence of Robin Van Persie for a possible transfer, while watching a match from stands between PSV and Feyenoord. But, the books states that the move will materialise only in the summer.
However with Roma going out in the group stage itself, the possibility of the midfielder joining the Reds in January looks more likely. Also the prospect of linking up with Van Gaal may force the Dutch man to move to Old Trafford.
Van Gaal’s interest in the player is also no secret as he admitted before a friendly against Roma this summer that he would “wait and see how he comes back” from his injury before assessing a January move for the player.
Further Strootman was jeered off the pitch by their supporters for his fault in CSKA Moscow’s stoppage time equaliser in their previous group match. And he remained an unused substitute against Manchester City. So many reports have indicated that the club might be ready to let him go.
But Roma general manager Mauro Baldissoni has hit out at claims that Strootman is set to join United for 30 million next month. He told Skysports: “We haven’t received any call from Manchester. We are not planning to sell Kevin.
It is yet to be clear whether United will launch a bid in the January window to test the Italian clubs resolve. A bid from Van Gaal depends on how his players fare in the rest of the month.