Manchester United defender Alexander Buttner talks about his decision to quit Old Trafford in favour of Russia’s Dinamo Moscow.
As a first step in re-building a mediocre Manchester United side, newly appointed manager Louis Van Gaal tied down French International Patrice Evra with a one year contract extension. Having already played second fiddle to the veteran since he arrived at Old Trafford in 2012, Buttner has decided to call it quits and move on in search of first team football and rumours suggest that he has agreed a deal with Dinamo Moscow with his medicals already arranged.
Buttner has only made 28 appearances for Red Devils during his two seasons at Old Trafford as injuries and the presence of Evra detained him to cup matches for the major part of his United career and the former Dutch U-20 International is not a part of this World Cup, as Louis Van Gaal opted to leave him.
While, Evra himself had a forgettable season under David Moyes, Buttner was poor when called upon. His defensive vulnerabilities and the lack of attacking threat will mean that he will have to continue watching the game from the sidelines under Van Gaal as well.
Further the rumours about Southmapton’s Luke Shaw and Ajax’s Daley Blind as a potential transfer target for United, justifies his decision to leave the club.
The defender was quoted by skysports as saying that it was the appointment of Louis Van Gaal the main reason behind his decision to leave Manchester and claimed that the Dutch coach doesn’t believe in his abilities.
“Van Gaal never gave me the chance in the Dutch national team, despite being voted man of the match 14 times at Manchester United.
“Apparently, he is not very confident about me. So I think this is the right moment to leave.”
Meanwhile, Buttner’s agent backs his client’s decision to leave the club as he feels that Dinamo Moscow has big plans for the defender.
“Dinamo Moscow have big plans. Staying at Manchester United was never an option this summer.
“In the last two years van Gaal has ignored him again and again. What kind of outlook is that for him?” – He said.
Dinamo ended the league season finishing at forth, which means Buttner can get to play in the Europa League next season and the defender remains confident that they can push for the Championship.
“I am convinced that the club can now challenge for the championship and then move into the Champions League.”