Manchester United Transfer News: Latest on Wesley Sneijder and Kevin Strootman

Wesley Sneijder, the seemingly eternal target of Manchester United, has suggested he dismissed the opportunity to join the Red Devils due to their lack of Champions League football.

The Dutch midfielder was a key component of Louis van Gaal's Netherlands team and has often been linked with a move to Old Trafford over the years, as per the Daily Mail. Speculation has proved fruitless and the 30-year-old creative midfielder is now settled at Galatasaray, who travel to face Arsenal in the Champions League on Wednesday.

Sneijder's desire to participate in European fixtures played a role in stopping him from moving. 

"Louis is one of the most intelligent men in football—and I knew of Manchester United's interest in the summer," said Sneijder, reported by Rajvir Rai for the Daily Mail. "It was flattering—but I am very happy in Turkey—and it is very hard to leave Champions League football."

Van Gaal added Ander Herrera, Angel Di Maria and Daley Blind to his midfield options instead, a trio who have settled well, despite United's torrid start to the season. With just two wins from their first six Premier League games it seems unlikely the historic club will return to the Champions League next year, perhaps vindicating Sneijder's decision to stay put.

At his age, the former Inter Milan star won't have many further opportunities to duke it out with the continent's best. He captured the famous trophy under Jose Mourinho's San Siro outfit in 2010 and retains the desire to continue challenging himself against the elite.

Although Sneijder has begun to slow in recent times, United could certainly use an additional body during the club's current injury crisis. Herrera's confirmed rib injury, per Mark Ogden of The Telegraph, adds to a long list of sidelined stars including Phil Jones, Jonny Evans, Chris Smalling, Marouane Fellaini and Michael Carrick. Sneijder could have plugged the gap ahead of Blind and offered United an outlet to retain the ball. 

Lefteris Pitarakis/Associated Press

Van Gaal's team desperately needs to add a defensive midfielder. Kevin Strootman, who also worked under the boss during his recent Netherlands tenure, is the name to gather most momentum in recent weeks. The Roma favourite continues his recovery from the knee injury that kept him out of the World Cup, and he is likely to regain his prominence as a key player once fully fit.

Roma boss Rudi Garcia knows this. Speaking after the side's 1-1 draw with Manchester City, he suggested United have little chance of acquiring the former PSV Eindhoven star. "He is a very high-level midfielder and of course we want him back—we’re waiting for him," said Garcia, per James Robson of the Manchester Evening News.

Garcia distanced himself when discussing the possibility of selling Strootman, as noted by Daniel Taylor of The Guardian:

President James Pallotta addressed the issue as September came to a close, as reported by Sky Italia journalist Gianluca Di Marzio:

"

There has been non stop reporting in UK newspapers about Kevin Strootman and Manchester United. Kevin Strootman is not for sale and has never ever been discussed in that vein at Roma. They are wasting paper. We consider Kevin an integral highly valued partner in our long term plans

"

Van Gaal has an array of problems to sort out before January arrives. United's defence remains a major problem, while the lack of physical players in midfield means the side is easily bypassed through the centre. Sneijder wouldn't have aided this, but Strootman certainly can.

United supporters will hope the manager's previous relationship with the player can provide a boost to their chances of landing his services.

Until then, fans are likely to continue journeying through an era of frustration that has carried on since David Moyes joined the club. Van Gaal's team at least show attacking intent and have provided signs of hope, but this United squad is currently lacking the defensive mind to achieve their true potential, a problem that will continue to run through the team until someone of Strootman's ilk is snapped up.