Manchester United to Target Dutch Superstar | OneFootball

We first broke the news back in January about Micky van de Ven’s dissatisfaction with Tottenham Hotspur. Now we understand there’s serious discussions underway about the Dutch center back’s future.

Liverpool was apparently van de Ven’s preferred landing place according to our initial report, but recent news indicates a different red team is now looking to nab him: Manchester United. Sources inside Old Trafford have confirmed officials from the club are in London and negotiations are happening, with an eye to lock a deal down for the summer transfer window.

A Tough Day at the Office

Social media circles have been having a field day over Mickey van de Ven’s performance in yesterday’s North London Derby. Understandably any defender in a 4-1 loss will get scrutiny, but the furor isn’t just for his statistics, but for his attitude.

Videos show him blatantly ignoring Igor Tudor’s cries to press forward up the field, to the new gaffer’s frustration. Statistically he didn’t shine either. His 9 defensive contributions were the lowest among Spurs’ back three (Drǎguşin – 20; Palhinha – 11), and he had five fewer than left midfielder Djed Spence.

To be fair, the memes promoting his “I don’t wanna be here” vibe appear to be manufacturing outrage. Van de Ven has never made any public claims to that effect, but we do know that he’s been quietly exploring other options. He was a vocal supporter of recently ousted manager Thomas Frank, and reportedly unhappy with his sacking.

Speaking to Sky Sports he recently said: “It’s always tough when a manager goes away. You’ve worked with him intensively the last, what was it, six months I think roughly. So yes, it is always tough when someone leaves and you are never happy to hear when someone needs to leave where you have been working with every day.”

What We Know

Our insiders have said van de Ven has made staying in the Premier League a priority, unless Real Madrid was to come calling.

Manchester United would be a solid fit, particularly with current backs Harry Maguire (33) and Luke Shaw (30) beginning to show their age. He could smoke those two in a footrace with one leg.

Furthermore, the Red Devils’ recent resurrection and form gives them a very good chance at playing in Europe next season. Let’s be honest, Spurs won’t be. Heck, there’s still an outside chance at relegation for the storied club.

As he is under contract until 2029, any club looking to separate van de Ven from Tottenham will have to pay a premium.