Why United Need Kevin Strootman

United have been lacking in midfield prowess ever since Roy Keane left. We have failed to replace him and as a result, our midfield has suffered. If you are a true United supporter, you'll know exactly what I'm talking about. Now, in the past couple of weeks Cleverley and Carrick have formed a good partnership with each other but we need more than just that, we need leadership, we need Kevin Strootman.

Stootman is one of the most talented young midfielders right now and if United manage to buy him at the end of this season, it would be an amazing coup. That's not to say that other English clubs are trying to pry him away from PSV Eindhoven in the forms of Liverpool and Arsenal but which player can resist a move to one of the biggest clubs in the world? And since he wants to play in England, United should have no problem in tying up the deal. Below I've compiled 5 reasons as to why United need Kevin Strootman:

1. Leadership Qualities

United have been missing a dominating presence in midfield ever since the departure of Roy Keane. Yes, Paul Scholes has been there running things in midfield but he hasn't been leading our midfield the way it needs to be lead. If we look at City's midfield, they have a dominating presence in the form of Yaya Toure. He is a physical presence at 1.88m tall and 79kgs in weight. More often than not, he dictates a lot of City's play. United need someone like that. Strootman is 1.86m tall and 78kgs in weight, very similar to Toure and he will be able to present a physical presence in our midfield as well as lead it since he can play as a creative, defensive or holding midfielder, very versatile. 

2. He Is Cheap!

We all know that the price of players has always been a sticking point with United. We missed out on Sneijder (thankfully) because United couldn't meet his asking price and we've missed out on Moura too for the same reason. PSV, believe it or not, want £15m for Strootman. 15! Now that, is a bargain in my humble opinion. He's one of the most promising young talents in Europe and PSV only want £15m for him. Ferguson's mouth would have watered when he heard that. Very affordable indeed.

3. Legacy

Sir Alex is building up one more legendary squad that is capable of winning anything and everything before he leaves United. Why do you think that United have signed so many players in their early 20s in the past 3 seasons? He's building up a squad so that when the new boss of United comes in, he won't have to worry that much about adding to the squad because that squad will already be the formula for success. At the age of 22, it's hard to believe that Strootman doesn't tick all the boxes for Ferguson. 

4. The Dutch Connection

Strootman has already made 15 appearances for Holland and he is in the squad to face Italy next month. The fact that he's made 15 appearances for his country means that he's had a chance to link up with fellow countryman Robin van Persie and if Strootman does come to United, it would be hard to imagine that he and RVP would not have a brilliant partnership. Dutchmen seem to be successful at United and since many clubs in the EPL are looking at players from certain leagues, Swansea-La Liga and Newcastle-Ligue 1, the Eredivisie might just be a new hunting ground for United.

5. Instant Favourite 

Lots of United supporters, myself included, are already huge fans of Strootman because we know that he is what United's midfield desperately needs. He is quite mature for his age scoring 5 goals in 9 games for PSV this season and gaining 15 caps for his country so that means that he isn't afraid of pressure and that he can perform when United need him most, just what every United supporter loves. 

If Strootman moves to Arsenal or Liverpool in the July transfer window, my mind will be boggled. Losing such a promising player to another club in the EPL would be less than ideal. I am certain that Sir Alex is quite aware of him though and I hope that by August this year, Kevin Strootman will be a United player.