Manchester United Transfer News: Kevin Strootman's Agent Reacts to Latest Rumour
Kevin Strootman's agent has indicated the Roma midfielder is prioritising a return to fitness ahead of considering a possible move away from the Serie A club.
Strootman continues to be linked with a January switch to Manchester Unitedย and is currently on the comeback trail from a knee injury that kept him out for eight months.ย
Fabio Parisi, the Dutchman's representative, told Calcio Mercato, viaย Charles Perrin of the Express,ย that Strootman's recovery is more important than speculation:
"The recovery of Kevin is good for him and for the team because they have got a great player back.ย Now Kevin just has to stay focused to gain confidence and get more game time.ย The future at Manchester United? Forget the rumours. We are just hoping he gets back to 100 per cent fitness.
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The midfielder returned to action with a six-minute substitute appearance during Roma's recent 3-0 win over Torino, per WhoScored.com. He averaged 3.3 tackles, 1.1 interceptions and 1.5 clearances per Serie A appearance last year, offering the kind of combative gusto United sorely lack. The 24-year-old also contributed with five goals and six assists, making him an all-around star in the Italian capital.
Prior to his return, Strootman's comments followed a similar path to those of his agent. He indicated his "one goal" is to become "100 percent fit and useful to the team," as reported by NikeFootball.com, viaย Anthony Chapman of the Express.
Neither the player nor his representative has explicitly ruled out a move, suggesting the emphasis could soon change if Strootman finds form before Christmas.
Roma owner James Pallotta previously insisted, "We don't have any interest in selling Kevin," per Ben Smith of BBC Sport. Although it is alleged "even a bid of ยฃ75 million would not tempt Roma to sell the player," things are likely to change if United place decent cash on the table.
Louis van Gaal's summer signings have endured a mixed run of form. Angel Di Maria started exceptionally and has tailed off in recent matches, while Luke Shaw's qualities are beginning to shine through. Ander Herrera's injury problems limited his decent start, and Marcos Rojo proved unreliable before he dislocated his shoulder.
Daley Blind has already developed into a dependable member of the squad, playing both midfield and defensive roles for Van Gaal. He is perhaps destined to become United's "new John O'Shea"โsuch is his versatilityโallowing Strootman to eventually slot into the centre.
Rob Dawson of the Manchester Evening News offered B/R UK's Ryan Bailey his thoughts on how United's summer signings have performed so far:
Strootman's return from injury will only serve to heighten already consistent rumours. His controlling presence isn't too dissimilar to Michael Carrick's style, but he is naturally more combative and effective in attacking areas. With Carrick slowing down at the age of 33, Van Gaal would do well to land such a natural replacement to the English midfielder.
As noted by both Strootman and his agent, there's an awful long way to go before he can consider leaving the Stadio Olimpico. He will no doubt be closely monitored heading into the busy winter schedule, particularly if he immediately impacts Roma's quest to catch Juventus atop the Italian division.
