Manchester United weigh up Sneijder move – report

By The Gaffer on November 30, 2012

Manchester United are weighing up a move for Dutch midfielder, and long-term transfer target, Wesley Sneijder according to ESPN [link]

The current Premier League leaders have been alerted to Sneijder’s availability after cooling their interest after a failed August 2011 move for the playmaker. Contract negotiations have stalled, with Inter president Massimo Moratti stating: “If it stays like, the solution will be on the transfer market.”

Manchester United first-team coach Rene Meulensteen told the Dutch magazine Voetbal International, in 2011: “Wesley Sneijder would fit perfectly here. He is the most ideal player for us that I can think of.

“I don’t say that because he is Dutch. I have been at Manchester United for a while, I know all the ins and outs of the team and I know that he would be a great reinforcement.

“The new Paul Scholes does not exist, just as there is not a new Roy Keane, but I cannot think of anyone more perfect for us than Sneijder.

“He is not a runner, but perfectly two-footed. He can run the game and puts the ball wherever he wants. To me, he seems a perfect addition to players like Hernández, Rooney, Young, Valencia, Nani and Giggs. Plus, Wesley has plenty of experience in top football, of course.

“I don’t know how his future is at Inter, of course – whether he is allowed to leave and whether we can pay him. But purely on the basis of his ability, I would say ‘Get Sneijder’.”

ESPN also suggest that Nani could move to the San Siro in a part-exchange deal for Sneijder. With Paul Scholes nearing retirement (again) Manchester United would be wise to snap up Sneijder on a cut-price deal in the January transfer window.