Ex-United employee says he’s been ‘told’ INEOS are now plotting ‘ambitious’ move for Tottenham fan-favourite | OneFootball

Manchester United are reportedly sizing up a potential summer swoop for Tottenham Hotspur stalwart Micky van de Ven.

While not a priority in the same way the midfield is, it’s thought INEOS are considering changes to the backline following an injury-ridden season for Matthijs de Ligt, Lisandro Martinez and Harry Maguire.

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Why are United considering a new centre-half addition?

Ayden Heaven (19) and Leny Yoro (20) have been trustworthy to call upon and deputise in the absence of their senior counterparts, and they’ll have only benefited from the increased game time.

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Still, it goes without saying that depth is essential in all areas of the squad if United are to compete on all fronts, including the Champions League, next season.

With the number of matches the experienced trio have missed throughout 2025/2026, it does raise the question as to whether they can be relied upon throughout the course of a jam-packed campaign.

United mulling over Van de Ven proposal

That’s why Van de Ven has emerged as a potential target for the Red Devils.

Although his deal with Spurs runs until June 2029, he could well consider a premature departure in the coming months due to the sheer turbulence of the season he’s had to oversee in North London, which could still culminate with the side being relegated.

It’s been nothing short of a fall from grace for Tottenham, considering it’s not even a full year since they overturned United in Bilbao to claim their first major honour in 17 years by winning the Europa League.

Van de Ven was crucial to their victory, too, having stopped a certain United equaliser with a goal-line clearance.

When Spurs’ top-flight action comes to an end this month, the 25-year-old’s sole focus will then be on overseeing a successful World Cup campaign with the Netherlands, where he’ll hope to occupy a starting spot under Ronald Koeman.

What one insider is hearing about United and Van de Ven

Verifying reports that United are indeed among Van de Ven’s suitors in the lead-up to the transfer window, former club chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider: “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.”

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