There was a speculation that Manchester United is interested in signing Belgian midfielder Kevin De Bruyne from VFL Wolfsburg in the January transfer window. Rumours suggested that De Bruyne might join the Premier League side on the transfer deadline day. As per reports, Manchester United was ready to shed £30m for the Belgian midfielder. Unfortunately, to Louis van Gaal’s disappointment, Kevin De Bruyne had rejected the offer to join the Premier League giants. While this failed deal may disappoint a few people at the club, it is a boon in disguise for both the team and the player.
Here are three reasons which support the fact that the deal would have been bad for both the parties.
Manchester United needs defenders and not attacking options
Manchester United has quality players in all the other positions except the back line. They invested almost £60 million in the summer to incur the services of Luke Shaw, Marcos Rojo and Daley Blind. But unfortunately, all the players prefer the left back position. The team has a serious dearth of quality center backs. Also, they already have players like Wayne Rooney, Juan Mata, Angel Di Maria and many others in the attacking midfield position. Kevin De Bruyne would have been an extra burden to their star-studded attack force.
Kevin De Bruyne would not have suited United’s game philosophy
Jose Mourinho had sold Kevin De Bruyne last winter to Wolfsburg. De Bruyne was not getting enough chance in the starting XI even though he was extremely talented and creative. According to Jose Mourinho’s philosophy his midfielders should also hold the capability of tracking back and support the defenders during counter-attacks. Kevin De Bruyne did not satisfy these criteria and thus, he was sold. Louis van Gaal holds similar vision. This is one of the key reasons why Juan Mata is often demoted to the reserve bench. Kevin De Bruyne’s game style is similar to that of Mata. So acquiring another creative player for £30 million would not have been a very good decision.
Kevin De Bruyne gets more playing time at Wolfsburg
Manchester United failed to rope in the Belgian midfielder on the transfer deadline day. Louis van Gaal wanted De Bruyne desperately, who is in splendid form this season. Kevin De Bruyne has played 19 games in the Bundesliga this season. He has scored 6 goals already and provided 11 assists. Only Chelsea’s star midfielder Cesc Fabregas has recorded more assists than De Bruyne this season. At the pinnacle of his career, Kevin De Bruyne should not leave a club where he is getting regular opportunity to play. At Manchester United, there are several other players who will come ahead of the Belgian in the starting XI. So this failed move has been a boon for Kevin De Bruyne.