Manchester United are interested in signing Micky Van de Ven this summer, having been handed injury setbacks at centre-back this season.
Man Utd looking to strengthen squad ahead of Champions League return
Man United completed a Premier League double over bitter rivals Liverpool for the first time since the 2015-16 season at the weekend, securing a return to the Champions League next season in the process.
Michael Carrick has played a major role in United qualifying for Europe’s elite competition, having maintained a stellar record since replacing Ruben Amorim in the dugout back in January.
Michael Carrick’s record as Man Utd manager
- 14 matches played
- 10 wins
- 2 draws
- 2 losses
- 2.29 points per match
The former Middlesbrough manager has switched to a back four, which has paid dividends, with his side firmly on course to record a third-place finish, a marked improvement on finishing in 15th place last season.
However, the change has meant Carrick has been left a little light on options at centre-back at times, with both Lisandro Martinez and Matthijs de Ligt spending time on the treatment table.
Speaking to Football Insider, former scout Mick Brown has suggested Man United are no longer convinced by Martinez, given his injury record, and Tottenham star Van de Ven could be brought in to replace the Argentinian in the starting XI.
“The senior players, Martinez and De Ligt, they’re not sure about because of the injury issues they’ve had and they’ve struggled with consistency.
“Going into next season, they want an experienced and reliable centre-back alongside Maguire, and that’s why Micky van de Ven is somebody I’m told they’re looking at.
“He might leave Tottenham even if they stay in the Premier League because he wants to play at a higher level, and Man United can offer him that. He would be an ambitious target but he’s somebody they like in a position they need to strengthen, so it’s something they have to look at.”
The Red Devils are prepared to spend big to get a deal for the Dutchman over the line, with a fee of £55m – £60m being touted, and there are indications he could be an upgrade on Martinez.
Micky van de Ven
Van de Ven poses a real attacking threat, having scored four Premier League goals this season, and who could forget his wonder goal against FC Copenhagen in the Champions League.
Journalist Laurie Whitwell has lauded the Netherlands international as “breathtaking”, and he has been one of Tottenham’s key players in the Premier League.
Micky van de Ven’s Premier League stats
- 32 matches played
- 200 defensive contributions
- 7 clean sheets
- 109 recoveries
- 42 aerial duels won
Lisandro Martinez
Martinez, on the other hand, has been unable to make as much of an impact, given his injury issues and recent suspension, but he has impressed Carrick when available, with the United boss saying: “The boys have been there. In training and in games and in meetings and everything around the place, they’ve been there in everything we’ve asked of them.
“Licha’s epitomised that in terms of how he’s gone about every day and certainly in the games, but we’re definitely aware of what it’s taken to have the couple of weeks we’ve had.”
Lisandro Martinez’s Premier League stats
- 15 matches played
- 80 defensive contributions
- 2 clean sheets
- 56 recoveries
- 11 aerial duels won
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